Hearing disability in Ukraine

Hearing loss significantly reduces the quality of life, so many people apply for disability in order to receive appropriate social benefits and support. However, in practice, individuals often face difficulties — from bureaucratic obstacles to incorrect assessment of the condition. Obtaining disability requires legal assistance, especially in the event of disputes or denials.

What are the degrees of hearing loss?

There are 4 main degrees of loss, determined by the intensity of sounds (in decibels) that a person is able to perceive:

• Light (I degree) - 26–40 dB. A person can hear spoken language at a close distance, but in a noisy environment or with weak sounds, difficulties arise.
• Moderate (II degree) - 41–55 dB. The patient cannot clearly hear quiet or medium-loud sounds, and also has problems understanding speech at a normal distance.
• Heavy (III degree) - 56–70 dB. Communication takes place only at a very close distance and at increased voice volume.
• Deep (IV degree) - 71–90 dB. The person can only hear very loud sounds (such as screams or loud beeps) and cannot understand speech without aids.

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When is hearing disability registered?

The designation of hearing disability for adults in Ukraine is regulated by Resolution of the CMU No. 10 of January 21, 2015.

Disability is registered in cases where a person has significant hearing impairments that significantly limit his life activities. This usually includes:

• Degree of hearing loss. Disability can be established in the case of total or partial hearing loss in both ears, when devices or other means of correction do not provide sufficient compensation.
• Duration and stability of the disorder. Generally, to qualify for disability, the hearing loss must be long-term or permanent and not subject to improvement.
• Restrictions on activity. The status of a disabled person is granted if the hearing impairment significantly affects the person's ability to perform their professional duties, get an education, communicate, etc.

According to the Resolution, the III group of disability is granted to persons with bilateral profound hearing loss, if the thresholds of air conduction exceed 86 dB at frequencies of 500-4000 Hz and it is impossible to restore hearing surgically. This gives the right to social benefits and benefits without the need for a re-examination.

In order to be granted the status of a disabled person, it is necessary to pass a medical and social expert commission, which makes a decision on the basis of medical documents, audiometric examinations and assessment of social adaptation.

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What problems arise when establishing this type of disability?

1. Bureaucratic difficulties - the need to collect a large number of documents, pass commissions and medical examinations can delay the process.
2. The difficulty of establishing a diagnosis, because not all medical institutions are equipped with the necessary equipment and specialists to quickly and accurately determine the degree of hearing loss.
3. A long wait for decisions of the MSEK, that is, the commission can consider documents for a long time, as well as demand repeated studies.
4. Lack of information - patients often lack clear instructions and consultations regarding the registration process, which makes it difficult.

What to do if they do not want to establish disability

If the MSEK refuses to assign you a disability, you must follow the following algorithm of actions.

1. Ask the medical and social expert commission for a detailed explanation of the reasons for refusal. This will help to understand exactly which documents or examinations may be missing or missing.
2. If the commission indicates insufficient medical data or doubts the severity of your condition, contact other medical institutions for a re-examination. It is necessary to consult with specialists of various profiles in order to collect more supporting documents.
3. If you believe that the denial is unreasonable, contact a lawyer who specializes in medical law. He will help prepare documents for an appeal or provide support in the court process.
4. You have the right to file a complaint against the commission's decision through the regional or central health authorities that control the activities of the MSEK.
5. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the last step is to go to court. This is a process that can take time, but often resolves the dispute in your favor.

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Medical lawyer: how can we help?

Contact the company "Prykhodko and Partners" for comprehensive legal support in matters of disability registration and appeals of decisions of the MSEK. Our experienced lawyers will help you at all stages of the process, from consultations to representation in court.

We will provide an in-depth analysis of your situation and develop an effective strategy to protect your rights. Do not delay and book a consultation now to get professional support and a fair decision!