Hearing impairment
Hearing impairment is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies: sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve; and conductive hearing loss, when sounds are unable to pass from the outer ear to the inner ear.
Note: Although disablement must be caused by a physical or mental health condition, it is the needs and difficulties that result which will determine entitlement rather than the condition itself. As a result, whilst the case law below may be of assistance, it will be important to also look at the case law relating to the activities and issues that affect you too.
Case law
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Activity 7 / claimant needs to be impaired in understanding either spoken or written communication but not both
- [2015] UKUT 445 (AAC)
- [2016] AACR 8
- CE/3086/2014
- (1) AT, (2) VC v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)