Eligibility Criteria for Hearing Disability Certification in Taiwan

Q: Eligibility Criteria for Hearing Disability Certification in Taiwan

Mr. <br>AU8D： Your hearing loss is only at the 4000 Hz frequency, which does not affect communication with others, so it does not meet the criteria for applying for a disability certificate. <br>The standard for a disability certificate is a hearing loss of 55 decibels or more, w

Please inquire about the standards for applying for a hearing impairment handbook?

Hello, Director: I have some hearing impairment, and I heard from a friend that if the hearing loss in both ears reaches 55 decibels or more, one can apply for a hearing disability certificate.
I have a fixed high-frequency hearing loss (4000Hz) of 80 decibels in my left ear and 60 decibels in my right ear.
May I ask if this meets the application criteria? Thank you!

AV8D, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/07/09

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology

Mr.
AU8D: Your hearing loss is only at the 4000 Hz frequency, which does not affect communication with others, so it does not meet the criteria for applying for a disability certificate.
The standard for a disability certificate is a hearing loss of 55 decibels or more, which refers to mid-frequency hearing impairment; such hearing loss would impact communication with others.

Reply Date: 2001/07/09

More Info

In Taiwan, the eligibility criteria for obtaining a hearing disability certification, commonly referred to as a hearing disability handbook, are primarily based on the degree of hearing loss measured in decibels (dB) across various frequencies. The general guideline states that if an individual has a bilateral hearing loss of 55 dB or greater in both ears, they may qualify for the certification. However, the specifics can vary based on the frequency ranges affected and the overall impact on daily functioning.

In your case, you mentioned that your left ear has a hearing loss of 80 dB at 4000 Hz, while your right ear has a hearing loss of 60 dB. This indicates that your left ear is significantly affected, especially at higher frequencies, which are crucial for understanding speech and sounds in everyday life. The right ear, while less affected, still shows a notable degree of hearing loss.

To determine your eligibility for the hearing disability handbook, it is essential to consider the average hearing loss across the frequencies tested. The standard frequencies typically assessed include 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz. The average of the hearing thresholds at these frequencies is calculated to determine the overall degree of hearing loss.

Given your specific situation, it would be advisable to undergo a comprehensive audiological evaluation conducted by an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. This evaluation will provide a detailed assessment of your hearing capabilities across the relevant frequencies and help establish whether your average hearing loss meets the threshold for certification.

In addition to the audiometric results, the impact of your hearing loss on daily activities and communication should also be considered. The certification process may take into account how your hearing impairment affects your ability to engage in social, educational, and occupational activities. If your hearing loss significantly hinders your ability to communicate effectively, this may strengthen your case for obtaining the hearing disability handbook.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the certification process may involve additional documentation and assessments, including reports from healthcare providers detailing the nature and extent of your hearing loss, as well as any related medical conditions that may contribute to your hearing impairment.

In conclusion, while your current hearing loss levels suggest that you may be approaching the eligibility criteria for the hearing disability handbook, a formal assessment by a qualified professional is necessary to determine your exact eligibility. I recommend scheduling an appointment with an ENT specialist or an audiologist who can perform the required tests and guide you through the application process for the hearing disability certification in Taiwan. This will ensure that you receive the appropriate support and resources to manage your hearing impairment effectively.

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