If you’re experiencing hearing loss or have been recently diagnosed as deaf, you could be entitled to some disability benefits and support to make life that little bit easier going forward.
Here, we’ll explore the causes of deafness and types of hearing loss along with the benefits you may be able to claim if you fit the criteria.
In the UK, hearing loss and deafness are considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This act came into place to ensure that disabled people had equal access and opportunity within society without discrimination
Disabling hearing loss often refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels, which has a significant impact on life. To put it into perspective, normal hearing ranges are between 0-20 decibels. A hearing care professional will be able to determine the extent of your hearing loss through a comprehensive hearing assessment and provide a treatment plan.
While deafness and hearing loss are classed as a disability, some people may not choose to identify as disabled. The choice is entirely yours based on your personal preference.
Tinnitus is a common hearing condition where someone may experience a constant noise, such as a ringing or buzzing sound in their ear, despite there being no external noise. While for most people, tinnitus is a temporary issue as a result of an ear infection or exposure to loud noise, for others, it can be extremely persistent and impact their daily life, such as the ability to work, drive or communicate clearly. Depending on the extent of tinnitus, which can be diagnosed with a hearing test and managed with a tailored tinnitus management plan, it can be considered a disability under the UK’s Equality Act.
There are many different causes of deafness, including:
The two most common types of hearing loss are:
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), also known as nerve-related hearing loss, occurs when the hair cells inside the inner ear or the hearing nerve are damaged. This type of hearing loss can happen at birth due to genetics or during the foetal development stage. It can also happen gradually over time due to genetics, exposure to loud sounds, certain diseases and ageing.
Conductive hearing loss is caused when sound can’t travel though the outer and middle ear as normal. This can be due to various reasons such as fluid build-up, ear infection, or a perforated ear drum. While this type of hearing loss is often temporary, it can become permanent depending on the underlying cause.
If you suspect you may be losing your hearing, or someone you know is losing theirs, here are some coming signs of hearing loss to look out for:
It’s estimated that one in three adults in the UK, approximately over 18 million adults, are deaf and have hearing loss or tinnitus. 80% of people over the age of 70 will have some degree of hearing loss, and an estimated 1.2 million UK adults have hearing loss so severe that they cannot hear most regular conversations.
If you choose to identify as disabled due to deafness or hearing loss, here are some of the benefits you’ll be able to claim if you fit the criteria.
Universal credit payments help people of working age with living costs if they are on a low income or cannot work because of their condition. You may be eligible if hearing loss impacts your ability to work or the amount of work you can do each month. Typically, payments are made each month and will depend on your earnings and savings.
The attendance allowance is for those above state pension age who have a disability or impairment, including hearing and sight problems, and require extra support or assistance. The allowance can help cover the costs of the support you need and is paid monthly.
The personal independence payment (PIP) is the equivalent of the attendance allowance but for those under the state pension age. It can help cover the cost of extra care needed and support those with a disability or long-term health issues who can only work reduced hours or not at all.
The access to work support grant covers the cost of devices or communication assistance to ensure that people with disabilities, including hearing loss or deafness, can continue to work or return to the workforce. To be eligible for this grant, you must already have a job or be able to start employment.
If you are registered as deaf or use hearing aids, then you may be able to qualify for more affordable rail travel, approximately a third-off the price, and discounted bus travel too.
For students aged 18 or over experiencing deafness or hearing loss, you may be able to claim the disabled students’ allowance to cover the cost of any assistive devices or communication support for your studies.
Deafness and hearing loss are considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010, and if you choose to identify as disabled with this condition, you’ll be entitled to a range of different benefits to help support your needs.