Otolaryngology Conditions and Social Security Disability

Millions of Americans suffer at least some degree of hearing loss. In some cases the Otolaryngology condition (hearing loss) is so severe that it is unable to be corrected by hearing aid devices. When this happens people may find themselves unable to work due to the Otolaryngology condition. This can lead to significant financial burdens and stress on the family. Fortunately, in many cases, Social Security Disability benefits can help those who are suffering from an Otolaryngology condition.

If you have suffered a loss of hearing and are unable to work due to your Otolaryngology condition you may be wondering if your condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines. The following information will help you understand your rights to Social Security Disability payments and what the SSA will look for when processing your disability claim.

Otolaryngology - Condition and Symptoms

Hearing loss is experienced differently from person to person and the impact on one's life and ability to work will depend on the severity of the Otolaryngology condition. In some cases a loss of hearing can be aided with the use of a hearing device. When this is not possible then an individual may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits depending on the extent of the hearing loss.

Hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons including illness, aging and injury. There are three main categories that hearing loss falls into. These include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot be conducted to the eardrum through the ear canal. Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear or to the pathway connecting the inner ear to the brain. In cases of mixed hearing loss a person will suffer from both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss can often be corrected with surgery or by the use of a hearing aid. Sensorineural hearing loss, however, is usually not correctable and people suffering from sensorineural hearing loss or mixed hearing loss may need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits if the condition is severe enough that they are unable to work because of it.

Filing for Social Security Disability with an Otolaryngology Condition

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to an Otolaryngology condition you will need to have your hearing loss diagnosed by a professional. Different tests can be performed to assess the degree of your Otolaryngology condition, the first of which will be a simple hearing screening. This screening will determine how well you are able to hear spoken words and at what volumes you can hear those words. A tuning fork test may also be conducted to test for damage to the ear. In most cases you will need to be examined by a professional audiologist in addition to your primary care physician. An audiologist will perform a number of tests to determine the exact extent of your hearing loss and what is causing it.

In order to qualify for disability benefits your hearing threshold for air conduction must be 90 decibels or greater in the better ear and you must be experiencing a loss of bone conduction or you must have a speech discrimination score of less than 40 percent in the better ear. If your Otolaryngology condition does not meet these criteria you may still qualify for Social Security Disability benefits but you will need to prove that your condition affects your ability to perform gainful work activity. If this is the case, you will likely need to go through the appeals process in order to receive benefits.

Otolaryngology Condition and Your Social Security Disability Case

It can be rather easy to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to an Otolaryngology condition if your specific case of hearing loss falls within the qualifying guidelines set forth by the SSA. If your Otolaryngology condition is not as clear cut you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits but you may have to go through the appeal process in order to do so.

The initial application period takes between 90 to 120 days to complete. Only 30 to 35 percent of applications for Social Security Disability benefits are approved at this stage of the process. The remaining 70 percent of applicants must go on to file an appeal. This appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving your determination letter.

If your application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied and you decide to file an appeal with the SSA you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. Having an attorney represent your interests during the appeal process and even during the initial claim will increase your chances of winning your disability claim.