Disability Due to Special Senses and Speech Problems

Visual and hearing problems are responsible for most cases of disability due to special senses and speech problems. These problems can be disabling and affect a person's work performance.

Sensory and speech conditions that qualify for disability

There are several medical conditions that qualify for disability under the special senses and speech category. Among the most common are:

Loss of vision
Deafness or hearing loss
Loss of speech
Macular degeneration

This is not a complete list. There are other similar medical conditions that Social Security considers may be disabling. The Social Security Administration evaluates each case individually.

Visual or hearing problems

Visual disorders

Visual disorders are abnormalities of the eye, optic nerve, optic pathways, or brain that can cause a loss of visual acuity or visual fields. A loss of visual acuity limits your ability to distinguish details, read, or do good work. A loss of visual fields limits your ability to perceive visual stimuli in the peripheral extent of vision.

Hearing loss

Social Security requires evidence showing that you have a medically determinable impairment causing your hearing loss and audiometric measurements of the severity of your hearing loss. A serious hearing loss limits your ability to hear or react within your work area and do a good job.

What to do to apply for Social Security for special sense and speech problems

Remember that you may have any of these conditions, but not qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Perhaps you could have another condition not listed here, but still be eligible. You need to have a medical record with diagnosis and treatment for that condition and show that it affects or prevents you from working, among other things.

It is important that you consult with our Social Security attorneys about the requirements and process to apply for disability benefits for sensory and speech problems.