For some people, hearing may pose a significant challenge

for instance, the ability to hear

so as to understand a familiar person, in a quiet setting,

even with appropriate therapy, medication, and devices.

In this first example, we have a person consulting with a doctor

because they are having trouble hearing with one ear.

Doctor: “Hello. What can I do for you today?”

Patient: “My ear hurts

and I can’t hear very well on this side.”

Doctor: “How long have

you been having this problem?”

Patient: “On and off for about a month.”

Doctor: “Let me take a look in that ear.

Yes, you have a wax blockage that will have to be cleared.”

In the first example,

while the individual is having some difficulty hearing,

it is attributable to a short-term condition.

The person would therefore not qualify for the disability tax credit.

In the second example,

a person is having a follow-up appointment with the doctor

after having recently had a hearing implant inserted.

Doctor: “Has your cochlear implant

improved your condition?”

Patient: “Yes, I can hear more clearly

with the implant.”

The second example shows an individual

with a severe and prolonged hearing impairment,

but who is able to hear adequately with the use of a hearing device.

The person would therefore not qualify for the disability tax credit.

In this third example,

a person is consulting with the doctor

to find out the results of a hearing test.

Doctor: “Your audiogram shows

profound bilateral hearing loss.”

Patient: “What did you say? I can’t hear you.”

Doctor: “I have your results

and they certainly indicate a problem.”

Patient: “I still can’t hear you

even with this hearing aid.”

Doctor: “I’m going to write this down

for you to read”.

In this third example,

the individual is markedly restricted in hearing

even with the use of a hearing device,

and would therefore qualify for the disability tax credit.