Listing code
102.11
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 treated with cochlear implantation.
Subsection A
Consider under a disability until the attainment of age 5 or for 1 year after initial implantation, whichever is later. OR
Subsection B
Upon the attainment of age 5 or 1 year after initial implantation, whichever is later, a word recognition score of 60 percent or less determined using the HINT or the HINT-C (see 102.00B3b ). Back to Top Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 102.11. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 102.11 usually fail
A common mistake is assuming the listing requires only having a cochlear implant, but after age 5 (or 1 year after implantation, whichever is later), the word recognition score requirement under Subsection B becomes necessary. Another pitfall is using a different speech understanding test instead of the HINT or HINT-C mentioned in Subsection B. A third pitfall is calculating the timing wrong, since the rule uses 'whichever is later' between age 5 and 1 year after the initial implantation. Finally, some claimants stop gathering results once the implant is done, but the Subsection B threshold is specifically tied to the HINT or HINT-C word recognition score.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key evidence is (1) the date of initial cochlear implantation to support the Subsection A time period ('until age 5 or for 1 year after initial implantation, whichever is later') and (2) the word recognition results using HINT or HINT-C to show a score of 60 percent or less for Subsection B. The listing specifically points to HINT or HINT-C (not a generic hearing test) when applying the score threshold.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If Subsection A does not fully cover the timing, and Subsection B is not met because the HINT or HINT-C word recognition score is above 60 percent, the claim can still be decided under step 4 and step 5 by looking at how the hearing loss affects functioning for school-age children. In practice, that means the medical results are evaluated for functional impact, not just whether the exact listing number is met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of any SSDI claim, work activity has to meet the program rules for continuing eligibility, because substantial gainful activity can prevent payment even when a medical condition is serious. For children covered by this listing, Subsection A provides a time window (until age 5 or 1 year after initial implantation, whichever is later), which can make the disability determination easier during that period. After the timing in Subsection A, eligibility depends on Subsection B meeting the HINT or HINT-C word recognition score threshold of 60 percent or less. If approved, continued eligibility follows the standard post-approval review process described by the program rules, not a separate work standard tied only to this listing.
Listing 102.11 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for hearing loss treated with cochlear implantation disability claims.