Disability for Hearing Loss. Audiometry, word recognition, and cochlear implants.

How Social Security evaluates hearing loss

Without a cochlear implant. The listing is met in either of two ways: an average air conduction threshold of 90 decibels or more in the better ear together with an average bone conduction threshold of 60 decibels or more in the better ear; or a word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear.

With a cochlear implant. Social Security considers you disabled for one year after the implant. After that, the listing is met if your word recognition score on a Hearing in Noise Test is 60 percent or less.

When no listing is met

Most claims are decided on residual functional capacity: what you can still do in a work setting despite your symptoms. Social Security then asks whether any jobs fit those limits. For hearing loss, the limits are understanding speech in person and by telephone, working around background noise, hearing alarms and warnings, and balance problems or tinnitus that come with some ear conditions.

Evidence that matters

• A complete otologic examination by a physician.
• Audiometry by an audiologist: pure tone air and bone conduction and word recognition testing.
• Testing done without hearing aids.
• Records of the cause, and of any vertigo or tinnitus.
• Notes on communication in everyday settings.

Ask your doctor to complete the physical impairments form in our free doctor forms. It records your limits in the terms Social Security uses.

Why these claims are denied

• Hearing tested with aids in place.
• No word recognition testing.
• The audiogram and the physician’s examination done too far apart.
• Good hearing in one ear.

Vertigo and balance

Conditions such as Ménière’s disease are evaluated under a separate listing that combines hearing loss with frequent attacks of balance disturbance and tinnitus. If you have attacks of vertigo, keep a record of the dates and how long each one lasts.

If you are 50 or older

Under Social Security’s grid rules, a person limited to sedentary work at 50, or light work at 55, may be found disabled depending on education and past work.

Next steps

If you have been denied, you have 60 days to appeal. See what to do after a denial in Arizona, SSDI in Arizona, and SSI in Arizona. There is no fee unless benefits are awarded.

J Disability Law Firm, PLLC · Joseph J. Duerst, Attorney · 18444 N. 25th Ave, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85023 · (602) 607-0000. This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past results do not predict the outcome of your case.