How Hearing Impairments and Social Security Disability Benefits Affect One Another

September 20, 2013

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin state that even the simplest of tasks can become extremely difficult to complete if an individual suffers from hearing loss. Such a disability can leave an individual with limited income resources and dependent on government benefits to survive.

The firm goes on to explain that even applying for Social Security Disability Benefits can prove difficult for those who cannot hear. The claims approval process involves numerous discussions and meetings between a claimant and claims processors, both face-to-face and over the phone, which can be seriously impeded by a hearing disability.

In an effort to help accommodate the deaf and hearing impaired through the claims process, the Social Security Administration has taken several different measures to assist these individuals with their needs. The agency can offer sign language interpretation, notes, lip reading, and telephone transcription devices to ensure claimants suffering from hearing impairments are successfully communicated with through the claims process. Also, the agency is surveying whether or not reform is needed to the criteria for a hearing impairment in its Listing of Impairments. Input in the matter is being collected until the end of next month.

The law firm’s team of attorneys applaud the efforts being made to assist those with hearing impairments through the disability claims process and are hopeful they help those in need receive a better and more efficient service.