Social Security Disability for Hearing Loss

Dallas Lawyers Assisting With Disability Benefits for Those With Hearing Impairment

There are multiple types of health conditions that are considered to be disabilities, and impairments to a person's ability to hear can have a major impact on their ability to maintain employment and earn an adequate income. However, to be considered disabled and qualify for disability benefits through Social Security, a person will need to meet specific requirements that demonstrate that hearing loss has made it impossible for them to work. During the process of applying for disability benefits through Social Security, it is crucial to work with an attorney who is experienced in these types of cases.

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd offers skilled and dedicated representation for people with disabilities. Our lawyers have more than 60 combined years of legal experience, and with our understanding of Social Security regulations, policies, and procedures, we can help you receive the disability benefits you need and deserve. Whether you are initially applying for Social Security disability or have had a disability claim denied, we can make sure you take the right steps to show that you meet the qualifications to receive financial assistance.

Social Security Disability for Those With Hearing Impairments

A person may be born with a hearing impairment, or hearing loss may occur because of injuries or diseases suffered as a child or adult. In some cases, a person may suffer hearing loss due to the work they have performed, such as working in an industrial setting involving loud noises. If a person had previously been able to maintain employment, but their loss of hearing has affected whether they can continue working and earning a sufficient income, they may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Eligibility for SSDI will depend on whether a person has earned enough work credits and paid the required Social Security taxes.

Hearing impairments are included in the listing of impairments that Social Security uses to determine whether a person's health conditions qualify as disabilities. The listing addresses hearing impairments for those who have and have not received cochlear implants meant to improve their hearing. Those who have cochlear implants are considered to be disabled for one year after receiving an implant, and after that time, they will continue to be disabled if a Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) finds that they have a word recognition score of 60% or less. Those who do not have cochlear implants are considered to be disabled if tests show that they have a word recognition score of 40% or less or if their hearing thresholds for air-conducted and bone-conducted sounds exceed certain decibel levels.

If a person's hearing loss does not fall under the conditions described in the listing of impairments, they will need to meet additional requirements to qualify for Social Security disability. To demonstrate that they are disabled, they must show that their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) after suffering impairments to their hearing has caused them to be unable to maintain employment. By demonstrating that hearing loss is severe enough that it causes a person to be unable to earn income that would be considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), they will be able to receive disability benefits.

Contact Our Lewisville SSDI Attorneys

Even though the loss of hearing can limit your ability to work, you will need to provide sufficient evidence to Social Security to demonstrate that you are unable to maintain employment and earn enough income to provide for your needs. At the Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we will provide you with legal help and representation throughout your case, ensuring that you provide the necessary information to prove that you are disabled. To schedule a complimentary case evaluation, contact us today at 972-671-9922. We serve clients in Dallas, Dallas County, Allen, Plano, Lewisville, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Collin County, Denton County, and Flower Mound.