Nebraska and Iowa Social Security Disability Benefits for Hearing and Tinnitus

Nebraska and Iowa residents that experience tinnitus often wonder if they qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  Depending on the severity of tinnitus, some individuals may qualify to receive disability benefits.  People with tinnitus may experience hearing a sound within their ear or head when there is no external physical sound present. Some individuals describe the sound as the following:

• hissing,
• chirping,
• buzzing,
• roaring, or
• high-pitched ring.

Tinnitus is a very common problem that affects 10-17% of the general population. Approximately 44 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree and it is more prevalent in elderly people. Although some people find tinnitus is just a nuisance, others may find it is a life-altering condition.

Tinnitus is so severe that is causes many sufferers to be unable to work; however it is still difficult to know “do I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?”  Many individuals find their tinnitus so severe that it interferes with their ability to function daily activities including, but not limited to, work.  These individuals may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if he/she is able to prove the severity of the condition and how it affects their daily life.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) does mention under their “Listing of Impairment” Section 2.00: Special Senses and Speech that tinnitus is part of vestibular disorders.

At the Cavanaugh Law Firm, PC, LLO, Nebraska and Iowa Social Security lawyer Patrick B. Cavanaugh has represented disability claimants with tinnitus.  In his experience, establishing and obtaining good medical records that support the claimant’s disability claim may be key to winning the disability claim.  Individuals with tinnitus may benefit by continuing to visit their treating physician and maintaining treatment as prescribed by their physician.  Tinnitus combined with other disabling conditions may be considered in your disability claim.  Attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh offers a free consultation to individuals seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.  For your free case evaluation, contact Mr. Cavanaugh at 800-342-3352.