Listing 2.10
Hearing loss not treated with cochlear implantation
This listing covers severe hearing loss in people who do not have a cochlear implant.
Read the full plain-language explanation
SSA needs an otologic (ear) exam plus formal hearing tests done without hearing aids, each ear tested separately, in a sound-treated booth. You only need to meet one of the two options: very high hearing thresholds (A) or very low word recognition (B) in your better ear.
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What Listing 2.10 asks for
What SSA looks for — see the 2 items
We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.
- Your better ear's average hearing thresholds (at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) must be at least 90 dB by air conduction AND at least 60 dB by bone conduction.
- You only need to meet A or B, not both.
Read the original wording
Your better ear's average hearing thresholds (at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) must be at least 90 dB by air conduction AND at least 60 dB by bone conduction. You only need to meet A or B, not both.
(Listing 2.10, criterion A)
On a word recognition test using a standard word list, you correctly identify 40 percent or fewer of the words with your better ear. You only need to meet A or B, not both.
(Listing 2.10, criterion B)
How long it must last:
The impairment must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months (general duration requirement; no listing-specific duration stated).