Florida Hearing Loss Patients Eligible For Social Security Benefits

As adults age, hearing loss is normal. More than 50% of Floridians over age 65 suffer from some degree of hearing loss. For most of those individuals, genetics and being exposed to loud noises account for loosing their hearing.

Hearing Loss Symptoms

• Constantly asking others to repeat what they said
• Listening to the TV and radio on high volume
• Words and external noises sound “muffled”
• Difficulty understanding what was said
• Withdrawal from conversations
• Avoiding group settings

Hearing Loss Causes

• Damage to the inner ear
• Abnormal bone growth
• Ruptured eardrum
• Buildup of earwax
• Medications
• Infections
• Tumors
• Illness

Hearing Loss Diagnosis

Routinely, the primary physician will probably do a general screening that involves covering one ear to determine how well one can hear at different volumes. Several other diagnostic tests for hearing loss are listed below.

1. Tuning Fork – A metal instrument with two prongs, that when struck produces sounds. This test may also show if the hearing loss is due to damage within the middle ear, eardrum, inner ear nerves, or to all of the above.
2. Audiometer Test- Performed by a hearing doctor, audiologist. The person wears earphones and tries to detect sounds one ear at a time. The sounds are produced at various tones.
3. Word Recognition Test-Speech discrimination is examined when individuals are asked to repeat words correctly.

Hearing Loss Complications

Individuals that suffer from a severe hearing loss often ultimately struggle with anxiety, depression, social skills, and employment. Although innovative methods of treatment are available to those who suffer, the likelihood of hearing restoration is minimal for many patients whose hearing loss is pervasive.

Social Security Benefits for Hearing Loss

At some point, some Broward County individuals suffer such an extreme form of hearing loss that they are ultimately close to being deaf. Whether an individual is born with hearing loss or develops it over time, it becomes evident to the individual that gaining employment and performing job duties becomes near to impossible.

For this reason, the Social Security Administration, has initiated disability benefits for people with severe hearing loss. Be aware, the benefits are only for individuals who suffer from an extreme loss of hearing. Individuals who suffer from hearing loss must qualify based on their results from the Audiometer or Word Recognition Test.  Also, persons who have a cochlear implant in either one or both ears also automatically qualify for benefits for one year following the implantation.

Get Help!

To assist in the accuracy of your Social Security claim for hearing loss, it is important to talk with an experienced South Florida Social Security disability attorney. We can help you prepare your paperwork to get the results you are looking for.
If you need assistance to file your claim for Social Security disability benefits, the Law Offices of David Benenfeld is here to help. For or a free legal consultation and book call today: (954) 677-0155. Can’t Work? Maneuvering the Social Security Disability Claim’s Maze.