2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q10-Q18›Q16

ICD-10-CM Q16
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q16 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q16.0, Q16.1, Q16.2, and Q16.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q16
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
Chapter
Q10-Q18
Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ10-Q18Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck
CategoryQ16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
This CodeQ16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing

Specific Coding for Congenital malform of ear causing impairment of hearingOverview

Non-specific codes like Q16 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q16.0 for Congenital absence of (ear) auricle

  • Use Q16.1 for Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)

  • Use Q16.2 for Absence of eustachian tube

  • Use Q16.3 for Congenital malformation of ear ossicles

  • Use Q16.4 for Other congenital malformations of middle ear

  • Use Q16.5 for Congenital malformation of inner ear

  • Use Q16.9 for Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • congenital deafness H90

Patient EducationClinical

Birth Defects

A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.

The full article covers:

  • What are birth defects?
  • What causes birth defects?
  • Who is at risk of having a baby with birth defects?
  • How are birth defects diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for birth defects?
  • Can birth defects be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Q16Overview

Is Q16 a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing need a more specific code from this category, such as Q16.0, Q16.1, and Q16.2.