Listing code
2.10
Adult (Part A)
Body system
2.00
Special senses and speech
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
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 (see 2.00B2c ). OR
Subsection B
A word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear determined using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words (see 2.00B2e ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 2.10. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 2.10 usually fail
One failure mode is using air-conduction-only numbers and skipping the bone-conduction requirement in subsection A. Another is focusing on the worse ear instead of the better ear, since both 2.10A and 2.10B require results for the better ear. A third pitfall is applying a hearing test that does not include word recognition using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words when trying to meet 2.10B. A fourth issue is that the listing is specifically for hearing loss not treated with cochlear implantation, so cases where cochlear implantation has been used do not fit this listing's premise.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Documentation needs hearing test results that provide the better-ear averages and the specific measure named in 2.10A, including 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. To meet 2.10B, documentation needs a word recognition score of 40 percent or less in the better ear determined using a standardized list of phonetically balanced monosyllabic words. Reports should clearly show which ear is the better ear and include the exact values used for the air conduction, bone conduction, or word recognition calculations.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the 2.10A or 2.10B numbers are not met, the claim can still be approved based on the overall functional limits found on a residual functional capacity assessment. The later steps consider how the hearing-related limitations affect work activities and the person's ability to perform work tasks, rather than relying only on whether the 2.10A or 2.10B thresholds are met. If the medical evidence still shows that hearing loss causes significant functional restrictions, the outcome may differ from strict listing-number matching.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, work activity is considered under the substantial gainful activity (SGA) concept. If work is substantial and ongoing, eligibility generally cannot be decided in the person's favor until the work activity falls below that level. For approved cases involving hearing loss that meets 2.10A or 2.10B, the trial work period and extended period of eligibility can apply as allowed by SSA rules once disability is found. This listing's focus on better-ear thresholds, including 2.10A's air and bone conduction averages or 2.10B's standardized word recognition score, helps define the severity used in assessing whether sustained work at the relevant functional level is realistic.
Listing 2.10 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for hearing loss not treated with cochlear implantation disability claims.