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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. H60–H95
  4. H90-H94
  5. Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (H90)

Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (H90)

The ICD-10 codes under section H90 are specifically used to classify different types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed forms. These codes help distinguish the hearing loss by laterality; whether it affects one ear or both; as well as by whether the opposite ear's hearing is normal, restricted, or unspecified.

This section covers hearing loss conditions such as conductive hearing loss (e.g., bilateral H90.0 or unilateral H90.1), which involves problems with ear structures like the middle ear. The term "conductive hearing loss" has several synonyms, including "middle ear conductive hearing loss" and "bone conduction deafness," all represented within these codes. It also includes sensorineural hearing loss (e.g., bilateral H90.3 or unilateral H90.4), which refers to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve and is often noted with synonyms like "neural hearing loss" or "high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss." Additionally, the codes cover mixed hearing loss (e.g., bilateral H90.6 or unilateral H90.7) where both conductive and sensorineural impairments coexist. Specific subcodes delineate the affected ear side and the hearing status of the contralateral ear, enabling precise diagnosis and billing. For example, H90.11 specifies unilateral conductive hearing loss in the right ear with normal hearing on the left side, assisting coders in assigning the accurate ICD-10 code for conditions commonly referred to as "conductive hearing loss of right ear."

  • Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60–H95)

    • Other disorders of ear (H90-H94)

        • Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (H90)

        • H90 Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
        • H90.0 Conductive hearing loss, bilateral
        • H90.1 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.11 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, right ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.12 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.2 Conductive hearing loss, unspecified
        • H90.3 Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
        • H90.4 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.41 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.42 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.5 Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss
        • H90.6 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
        • H90.7 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.71 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.72 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.8 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified
        • H90.A Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A1 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A11 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, right ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A12 Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, left ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A2 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A21 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A22 Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A3 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A31 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
        • H90.A32 Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • deaf nonspeaking NEC H91.3
  • deafness NOS H91.9
  • hearing loss NOS H91.9
  • noise-induced hearing loss H83.3
  • ototoxic hearing loss H91.0
  • sudden idiopathic hearing loss H91.2

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

An autosomal dominant disorder of tooth development characterized by opalescent dentin resulting in discoloration of the teeth. The dentin develops poorly with low mineral content while the pulp canal is obliterated.

Essential Tremor

A relatively common disorder characterized by a fairly specific pattern of tremors which are most prominent in the upper extremities and neck, inducing titubations of the head. The tremor is usually mild, but when severe may be disabling. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance may occur in some families (i.e., familial tremor). (Mov Disord 1988;13(1):5-10)

Hypertelorism

Abnormal increase in the interorbital distance due to overdevelopment of the lesser wings of the sphenoid.

Narcolepsy

A condition characterized by recurrent episodes of daytime somnolence and lapses in consciousness (microsomnias) that may be associated with automatic behaviors and AMNESIA. CATAPLEXY; SLEEP PARALYSIS, and hypnagogic HALLUCINATIONS frequently accompany narcolepsy. The pathophysiology of this disorder includes sleep-onset rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which normally follows stage III or IV sleep. (From Neurology 1998 Feb;50(2 Suppl 1):S2-S7)

Wolfram Syndrome

A hereditary condition characterized by multiple symptoms including those of DIABETES INSIPIDUS; DIABETES MELLITUS; OPTIC ATROPHY; and DEAFNESS. This syndrome is also known as DIDMOAD (first letter of each word) and is usually associated with VASOPRESSIN deficiency. It is caused by mutations in gene WFS1 encoding wolframin, a 100-kDa transmembrane protein.