I think it would depend upon what one's occupation was at the time, and what
occupations one might qualify for with said limitations.  Some jobs depend on
hearing more than others.

Susan

Which federal government? This NG is worldwide.

There are categories of deafness based on percent of loss and/or
speech recognition.  I am considered "deaf" and qualify for
accomodations at work because I cannot understand speech without
seeing the speaker even though I can hear sound.  There are things I
can't do that might be considered standard for my profession, but with
accomodations made by my employer I am able to perform my job as well
or better than other employees.

To prove disability I believe you would have to show you are unable to
work at all even with accomodations and/or assistance.  If you are in
the U.S. you might want to contact the Department of Rehabilitative
Services in your state to get the information about what qualifies as
"legally deaf".  The Social Security Administration is where you fill
out the paperwork for disability and it does give you items to
consider to help determine if you would qualify.  Best bet is to try
rehabilitative services for what assistance you qualify for first.

Terri

http://pub219.ezboard.com/btinnitusactivismandsupport

"S" <stevenas@nospam.sbcglobal.net> wrote in part:

Varies from country to country.