Hearing Loss ICD-10-CM Codes

Hearing Loss ICD-10-CM Codes

Navigate the ICD-10 codes for Hearing Loss. Get comprehensive clinical info, and ensure coding accuracy.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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What are Hearing Loss ICD-10-CM Codes?

Accurate documentation and diagnosis of hearing loss are essential for proper patient care and medical billing. As of 2025, ICD-10-CM codes from the H90 category remain valid, helping providers distinguish between types such as conductive, sensorineural, mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and by laterality (e.g., bilateral, unilateral, or unspecified ear). These codes cover a range of conditions, including noise-induced hearing loss, psychogenic deafness, and sudden idiopathic hearing loss.

Core ICD-10 codes for hearing loss

  • H90.0 – Conductive hearing loss, bilateral
  • H90.1 – Conductive hearing loss, unilateral
  • H90.2 – Conductive hearing loss, unspecified
  • H90.3 – Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
  • H90.4 – Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral
  • H90.5 – Sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified
  • H90.6 – Mixed conductive and sensorineural, bilateral
  • H90.7 – Mixed conductive and sensorineural, unilateral
  • H90.8 – Mixed conductive and sensorineural, unspecified

These codes are widely used to classify abnormal auditory perception and hearing loss as classified by type and laterality. All remain billable in 2025.

Recent updates introduced more detailed coding for laterality and ear-specific diagnosis, enhancing precision in documenting cases such as bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss unilateral, and hearing loss unspecified:

  • H90.A11 – Conductive hearing loss, right ear
  • H90.A12 – Conductive hearing loss, left ear
  • H90.A21 – Sensorineural hearing loss, right ear
  • H90.A22 – Sensorineural hearing loss, left ear
  • H90.A31 – Mixed hearing loss, right ear
  • H90.A32 – Mixed hearing loss, left ear

Use the most specific code supported by documentation, including ear involvement and type of restricted hearing. These updates help differentiate between complex auditory issues such as transient ischemic deafness and ototoxic hearing loss.

Which hearing loss ICD codes are billable?

All codes listed—H90.0 to H90.8 and H90.A11 to H90.A33—are billable in 2025. Coders and clinicians are advised to select the most specific hearing loss ICD-10 code based on available clinical details to ensure accuracy in billing and reimbursement.

Additional codes may be used in conjunction with primary hearing loss diagnoses for comprehensive care documentation, especially for conditions involving the ear and mastoid process or use of assistive devices:

  • H91.* – Other specified hearing loss and unspecified hearing loss
  • Z97.4 – Presence of external hearing aid
  • Z46.1 – Encounter for fitting/adjustment of hearing aid
  • Z01.10–Z01.118 – Encounter for hearing examination

These codes support diagnoses involving auditory hallucinations, unrestricted hearing, or treatment planning for those with hearing loss, unspecified.

Clinical information

Hearing loss, or auditory impairment, refers to a reduced ability to perceive sounds, which can significantly affect communication and quality of life. It is generally classified as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed conductive and sensorineural, each involving different parts of the auditory system.

Causes range from aging, noise-induced hearing loss, and infections to ototoxic hearing loss caused by certain medications, trauma, genetics, or underlying conditions like transient ischemic deafness. Clinical assessment may reveal psychogenic deafness in rare psychological cases. Diagnosis often includes audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions testing, and imaging to assess ear abnormalities and mastoid processes.

Treatment options vary by type and severity. Hearing aids or cochlear implants can improve function in cases of sensorineural hearing loss unilateral or bilateral, while surgery may address structural causes of bilateral conductive hearing loss. Early intervention and accurate documentation using ICD-10 codes help improve patient outcomes and ensure proper care.

Synonyms include

  • Auditory impairment
  • Deafness
  • Acoustic loss
  • Auditory dysfunction
  • Earshot reduction

Commonly asked questions

Yes, sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent because it involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. While it cannot be cured, it can often be managed effectively with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

ICD-10 codes distinguish hearing loss by type—conductive, sensorineural, or mixed—and by laterality (unilateral, bilateral, or unspecified). Recent updates also include more specific codes that indicate the exact ear affected for improved accuracy.

No, hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but help improve hearing by amplifying sounds. They are an effective management tool for many people with mild to moderate hearing impairment.

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