Can I Receive Social Security Disability for Vision or Hearing Loss?

 Posted on March 24, 2022 in Uncategorized

While there are many different types of health conditions that may cause a person to be disabled, issues related to a person’s senses are some of the most well-recognized disabilities. A person who is blind is understood to have significant limitations that will affect their ability to maintain gainful employment, and an inability to hear will also limit a person’s ability to perform different types of activities at work or at home. Those who suffer from these types of disabilities will often be eligible for benefits through Social Security, and they will need to understand the qualifications they will need to meet to demonstrate that they are disabled and receive financial assistance.

When Is Vision or Hearing Loss Considered a Disability?

Social Security’s Listing of Impairments details specific conditions that are considered disabilities. If a person meets the requirements detailed in the listing for a certain condition, they will typically be considered disabled, allowing them to receive benefits. The listing for vision loss details the types of tests that may be performed to measure a person’s visual acuity and visual efficiency. Generally, if a person is considered to be statutorily or legally blind, meaning that their vision in their better eye is measured at 20/200 or less even with corrective lenses, they will qualify as disabled.

To evaluate hearing loss, Social Security may use audiometric testing along with examinations by a doctor or audiologist to determine how a person has been affected by these issues. A doctor will need to evaluate the eardrum and middle ear to determine if there are any abnormalities, and testing will determine the extent of a person’s hearing loss. Different types of testing may be used depending on whether a person has a cochlear implant. These tests may measure a person’s ability to recognize words, as well as their ability to hear sounds at different frequencies when they are conducted through the air or through the person’s bones.

Types of Disability Benefits

The benefits that may be available will often depend on how long vision or hearing loss has affected a person. Those who have congenital disorders that have affected them for their entire lives may not have sufficient work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and they may need to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides benefits for those who have limited financial resources. People who have experienced vision or hearing loss due to an injury or illness may be able to receive SSDI, and their benefits will be based on their contributions to Social Security throughout their careers.

Contact Our Collin County SSD Benefits Lawyers for Hearing and Vision Loss

If you have experienced impairments to your hearing or vision that have affected your ability to work, you will want to understand whether you will qualify for Social Security disability benefits. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we can advise you of your options and assist with your Social Security application, and we can provide you with legal representation if your disability claim is denied. To set up a free case evaluation, contact our Dallas County Social Security disability application attorneys at 972-671-9922.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm

https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title02/0216.htm