Hearing loss, balance disorders, and speech impairments can dramatically affect a person’s ability to work, communicate, and live independently. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that these conditions can be disabling, even when they are not immediately visible to others.
If you or a loved one struggles with severe hearing problems, chronic vertigo, or loss of speech, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under the SSA’s Adult Listings for Special Senses and Speech.
At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we help Illinois residents understand these complex rules and pursue the benefits they deserve.
How the SSA Evaluates Hearing, Balance, and Speech Disorders
The SSA relies heavily on objective medical testing, not just symptoms. Meeting a listed impairment can allow a claim to be approved without proving an inability to do other work.
Listings 2.07, 2.09, 2.10, and 2.11 address serious disorders involving balance, hearing, and speech.
Listing 2.07: Disturbance of Labyrinthine-Vestibular Function
(Including Ménière’s Disease)
This listing applies to disorders that affect balance and spatial orientation, often causing debilitating vertigo.
To meet Listing 2.07, the SSA requires both of the following:
A. Documented Vestibular Dysfunction
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Abnormal function of the vestibular labyrinth shown through caloric testing or other vestibular tests
B. Hearing Loss
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Hearing loss confirmed through audiometric testing
In addition, the claimant must have a history of:
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Frequent balance disturbances
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Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
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Progressive hearing loss
👉 This listing commonly applies to individuals with Ménière’s disease and similar inner-ear disorders that cause unpredictable and dangerous balance issues.
Listing 2.09: Loss of Speech
The SSA recognizes that the inability to speak effectively can eliminate meaningful employment opportunities.
You may qualify under Listing 2.09 if there is:
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Loss of speech due to any cause
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An inability to produce speech that can be heard, understood, or sustained, even with alternative methods
👉 This may result from neurological conditions, vocal cord damage, traumatic injury, or degenerative diseases.
Listing 2.10: Hearing Loss Not Treated With Cochlear Implantation
This listing applies when hearing loss is severe and cochlear implants are not being used.
You may meet Listing 2.10 in either of the following ways:
A. Severe Hearing Thresholds
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Average air conduction threshold of 90 decibels or greater in the better ear
and -
Average bone conduction threshold of 60 decibels or greater in the better ear
OR
B. Poor Word Recognition
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A word recognition score of 40% or less in the better ear
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Measured using standardized, phonetically balanced monosyllabic word testing
👉 This listing often applies to individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss who cannot effectively understand speech.
Listing 2.11: Hearing Loss Treated With Cochlear Implantation
The SSA has special rules for individuals who have received cochlear implants.
You may qualify under Listing 2.11 if:
A. Automatic Disability Period
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You are considered disabled for one year following the initial cochlear implant surgery
OR
B. Ongoing Disability After One Year
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More than one year after implantation, you have a word recognition score of 60% or less
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Measured using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT)
👉 This recognizes that cochlear implants do not always restore functional hearing sufficient for employment.
Why These Claims Are Often Denied Without Legal Help
Hearing and balance disability claims are frequently denied due to:
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Missing or outdated testing
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Incorrect audiological standards
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Failure to link medical evidence directly to SSA listings
Our office helps ensure:
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The correct tests are submitted
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Medical evidence matches SSA criteria
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Claims and appeals are properly presented
How Our Disability Practice Helps Illinois Families
If hearing loss, balance disorders, or speech impairments prevent you from working, you do not have to navigate the disability system alone. We help clients across Illinois understand their rights and pursue Social Security Disability benefits with clarity and confidence.
If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”
