Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
For people with recent onset of hearing loss, from whatever cause, in view of the potential response to treatment, the prognosis is uncertain for the first 12 months and it would be reasonable to award for a limited period whilst awaiting the outcome of response to treatment.
For people who have had recent surgical interventions, such as Cochlear Implants, Middle Ear Implants and Bone Anchored Hearing Aids, the response to treatment varies. Therefore, a review after 12 months should be undertaken and further medical evidence obtained at that time.
For people with hearing loss of onset in childhood, or onset more than 5 years ago, a long-term award may be considered. However, further medical evidence should first be obtained to confirm that a specialist unit has carried out an assessment and that no medical or surgical intervention is considered appropriate.
Factors such as the physical health, mental state and any other co-existing disablement may impair and prolong the period of learning and rehabilitation in an individual case.
| Impairment | Date of Onset | Award Period |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive hearing loss: | ||
|
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
2 year award Indefinite award |
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Hearing loss - mixed |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
2 year award Indefinite award |
| Sensorineural hearing loss: | ||
|
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
2 year award Indefinite award |
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
| Disease affecting hearing - balance - Other / type not known -: | ||
| The most common hearing conditions are covered by this guidance. Some of the more unusual conditions not covered may have care / mobility needs depending on the degree of hearing loss. Medical Services advice should be obtained in these cases. | ||
|
Hearing impairment with visual impairment. You may need to consider whether the H/R Mob Severely Visually Impaired (SVI) deeming provisions are satisfied. Visual impairment deeming provisions page and consult the Vision guidance. |
||
| You may need to consider whether the deaf/blind deeming provisions are satisfied. Visual impairment deeming provisions page and consult the Vision guidance. | ||
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
Amended March 2012
