Hearing loss is a common problem that can impact anyone of any age, with one in eight people over the age of 12 or 13% of the population experiencing hearing loss in both ears. Although the degree of hearing loss can vary, severe cases can prevent you from doing your job or even working altogether. Inability to work can leave you in the stressful situation of struggling to pay bills and provide for dependents. If your hearing loss is stopping you from being able to work, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Social Security trust fund. Let’s look at how you can get disability for hearing loss.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been providing people with financial protection for over 80 years. Social Security is one of the most important anti-poverty programs in the US.
To receive financial assistance for hearing loss, you must meet certain criteria. However, if you are unable to work and you meet the criteria needed, you can receive money to help pay for essential outgoings and everyday expenses like housing, food, bills, etc.
The Blue Book
Can you get disability for hearing loss? That will be determined by the mysteriously named — The Blue Book. The Blue Book is a medical guide owned by the SSA and used to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits.
To be granted financial assistance for hearing loss, you have to meet certain criteria found in sections 2.10 and 2.11 of the Blue Book. For the Social Security office to determine your eligibility, you must first schedule a hearing test with your local hearing aid specialist.
To be approved for financial assistance for hearing loss, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
- A word recognition score of 40% or less in your better ear. This should be determined using a list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words.
- An average air conduction hearing threshold of 90 decibels (dB) or greater and an average bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 dB or greater, all in the better ear.
Other Things to Consider with Eligibility
Your Income
If you meet the criteria for hearing loss assistance, but you are still earning more than $1,350 a month, you cannot claim any money. Therefore, if your employer can adjust your role so that you can continue to work and earn more than that sum, then your claim won’t be approved.
Hearing Loss in One Ear
Can you claim disability for hearing loss? Only if you suffer from hearing loss in both ears. Single-sided deafness or hearing loss in one ear will not be considered when applying for financial assistance.
Starting Your Claim
Many people only think of social security when it comes to retirement. However, as long as you have been working and paying into the social security trust fund through payroll deductions, then you may be able to claim disability for hearing loss.
Start the claim process by applying online through the SSA website. Alternatively, you can make an in-person appointment at your closest SSA office and start your application that way.
Our hearing experts are all too aware of how hearing loss can impact a life, and that’s why we are here to help in whatever way possible. Whether you have a hearing appointment or simply want the best expert advice around, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can you get disability for hearing loss? Find out more about your hearing health by booking your hearing appointment at Hearing Group today.