What you have to prove
Either (1) an average air conduction hearing threshold of 90 decibels or greater in the better ear and an average bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 decibels or greater in the better ear, OR (2) a word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear determined using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Audiogram performed by a licensed audiologist with both air and bone conduction thresholds, plus word recognition testing.
Common misconceptions
Hearing aids don't count — SSA tests unaided hearing. Bilateral hearing aid users may still qualify based on the underlying audiogram.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.