Listing code
102.10
Children (Part B)
Body system
102.00
Special senses and speech (children)
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Hearing loss not treated with cochlear implantation.
Subsection A
For children from birth to the attainment of age 5, an average air conduction hearing threshold of 50 decibels or greater in the better ear (see 102.00B2 ). OR
Subsection B
B . For children from age 5 to the attainment of age 18: 1. An average air conduction hearing threshold of 70 decibels or greater in the better ear and an average bone conduction hearing threshold of 40 decibels or greater in the better ear (see 102.00B2f ); 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 (see 102.00B2f ); or 3. An average air conduction hearing threshold of 50 decibels or greater in the better ear and a marked limitation in speech or language (see 102.00B2f and 102.00B5 ).
- An average air conduction hearing threshold of 70 decibels or greater in the better ear and an average bone conduction hearing threshold of 40 decibels or greater in the better ear (see 102.00B2f ); or
- A word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear determined using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words (see 102.00B2f ); or
- An average air conduction hearing threshold of 50 decibels or greater in the better ear and a marked limitation in speech or language (see 102.00B2f and 102.00B5 ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 102.10. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 102.10 usually fail
One failure mode is using the wrong ear for the thresholds, since the criteria are based on the better ear. Another is using air conduction numbers without the additional bone conduction requirement that applies after age 5 (70 decibels or greater for air conduction plus 40 decibels or greater for bone conduction). A third pitfall is relying on hearing loss severity that does not match the exact word recognition pathway (word recognition score of 40 percent or less using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words). A fourth pitfall is assuming that speech or language impact automatically qualifies without the hearing threshold needed for that pathway (air conduction 50 decibels or greater in the better ear plus a marked limitation in speech or language).
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key evidence is objective hearing-testing results reported as average air conduction hearing threshold (in decibels) for the better ear, and when age 5 through 18 applies, average bone conduction hearing threshold (in decibels) for the better ear. If using the word recognition pathway for ages 5 to 18, the documentation needs a word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words. If using the speech or language pathway for ages 5 to 18, records must support a marked limitation in speech or language, and the hearing test must show an average air conduction hearing threshold of 50 decibels or greater in the better ear. For the "not treated with cochlear implantation" part, documentation should address cochlear implantation status (for example, showing the child has not had cochlear implantation treatment).
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the exact hearing thresholds, word recognition score, or speech and language limitation do not match the requirements for ages birth to 5 or ages 5 to 18, the claim usually moves to the functional effects step. That means SSA considers what the child can still do day to day despite hearing loss (residual functional capacity) and whether that level of limitation supports a finding of disability even without meeting the listing.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, SGA rules limit work activity in a way that matters for anyone who is working while claiming disability. For a child listing like 102.10 (children under 18, Part B), the SGA concept is not framed around decibels or word recognition thresholds in the same way as adults, and entitlement is driven by whether the child meets the medical criteria such as an average air conduction hearing threshold of 50 decibels or greater in the better ear (birth to age 5) or the specific age 5 to 18 pathways. After a decision is made, eligibility continues under the program's standard rules after approval.
Listing 102.10 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for hearing loss not treated with cochlear implantation disability claims.