Hearing Loss And Florida Social Security Benefits

Being deaf and trying to function in a world with sound can be devastating for a person with hearing loss disability in South Florida.  A deaf person may learn to do anything a hearing person can, but when unable to hear, the ability to perform well on-the-job, may become nearly impossible.

In these cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits to individuals who suffer from severe hearing impairments, especially deafness.

Social Security Criteria for Hearing Impairments

If hearing cannot be restored with use of a hearing aid, the individual must meet one of the criteria for hearing loss that is measured on the diagnostic tests listed below.

1.    Audiometer- When tested, the person must have an average hearing threshold sensitivity for air conduction of 90 decibels or greater and a bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 decibels or worse in the better ear.

(Or)

2.    Speech Discrimination Test- The person must not be able to repeat more than 40% of a list of words spoken in a word recognition test.

A person diagnosed with a hearing impairment may continue to try to work, even when it’s beyond his or her ability, only because the individual doesn’t realize that Social Security benefits are available to them. If you have hearing loss and are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits in South Florida.

Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld for a free legal consultation to determine if you have a case. Call 954-807-1334.