Social Security Disability Lawyer Deaf
Social Security Disability Lawyer Deaf: Government Benefits For Hearing Impaired
Benefits from Social Security Disability are essential for people with disabilities, and applying for benefits can be particularly difficult for deaf people. Securing the assistance of a skilled Social Security Disability attorney with experience representing deaf people is crucial for a just and fruitful claim. This post will discuss the value of hiring a deaf Social Security disability attorney and how their knowledge can significantly impact your claim. Communication difficulties are a common issue for Deaf people navigating the complex Social Security Disability application process. Misunderstandings may occur during medical evaluations, interviews, and paperwork completion, which could result in benefits being denied. These communication gaps can be filled by a Social Security Disability attorney who is proficient in sign language and is aware of the unique difficulties the deaf community faces.
There are many different causes of hearing loss. Government Benefits For Hearing Impaired
- Age-related hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noise
- Genetic hearing loss passed down from a parent
- Traumatic injury to the ear
- Medications that have a toxic effect on the ear or its nerve supply
- Viral or bacterial infections
To be eligible for disability benefits without cochlear implants, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of either an audiometry test or a word recognition test.
The result of the audiometry test must show that the applicant’s average hearing threshold sensitivity for air conduction must be 90 decibels (90dB) or worse in the applicant’s better ear and a bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 decibels (60dB) or worse in the better ear. Hearing loss must be calculated by averaging the applicant’s hearing at the sound frequencies of 500 hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz. A word recognition test evaluates speech discrimination. An applicant must be unable to repeat 40% of a list of standardized words that are spoken. Tests are conducted by a physician, an otolaryngologist (ENT), or an audiologist and are performed without the use of hearing aids.
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually caused by extensive exposure to loud noise or aging while conductive hearing loss is often caused by some type of blockage, such as wax in the ear.
An individual may also have a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss or “mixed” hearing loss. Symptoms of hearing loss include:
- Muffling of speech and other sounds
- Difficulty understanding words, especially when background noise is present
- Trouble hearing consonants
- Needing to turn up the volume of a radio or television
- Asking others to speak more slowly or repeat words
How To Qualify With Deafness or Hearing Loss
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits for deafness or hearing loss (without cochlear implants), you must have an otologic (ear) exam and have both audiometry and word recognition tests performed by an otolaryngologist (ENT), a licensed physician, or an audiologist working under the supervision of an ENT or physician. The tests must be performed with any prescribed hearing aids. Test results must show that you meet at least one of the following requirements:
Audiometry Test: An audiometry test must show average threshold sensitivity for air conduction of 90 decibels (dB) or more in your better ear. You must also have a bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 decibels (dB) or more in your ear. Hearing loss is calculated by averaging your hearing at the sound frequencies of 500 hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
OR
Speech Discrimination Test: You must be able to correctly repeat no more than 40% of a list of standardized words in a spoken word recognition test.
The SSA may also send you to an audiologist for further testing. They may order auditory evoked response testing, a test which measures brainwave responses to tones, to determine your level of hearing loss.
Navigating Medical Evaluations:
Medical evaluations are a crucial aspect of the Social Security Disability claims process. Deaf individuals may encounter challenges in effectively communicating their medical conditions during these evaluations. A knowledgeable lawyer can help prepare clients for these assessments, ensuring that medical professionals understand the full extent of their disabilities. This preparation can significantly impact the outcome of the disability claim.
Appealing Denials:
Unfortunately, Social Security Disability claims are often denied initially. In such cases, having a deaf Social Security Disability lawyer is especially beneficial. These professionals understand the appeal process and can identify the specific reasons for the denial. They work diligently to address these concerns, gathering additional evidence and presenting a stronger case during the appeals process.
It can be difficult to navigate the Social Security Disability system, particularly for deaf people. Taking the initiative to represent deaf clients with a Social Security Disability attorney who specialises in that area will help your claim succeed. These experts not only know the nuances of disability law, but they also have the communication skills needed to effectively represent their clients. People can improve their chances of receiving the essential disability benefits they are entitled to by enlisting the assistance of an experienced and sympathetic lawyer.