Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing (Q16) ICD-10-CM
The Q16 code range covers congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing with 8 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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.
- congenital deafness H90
Codes in the Q16 Range 8 codes · 7 billable
- Q16 Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearingNon-billable
- Q16.0 Congenital absence of (ear) auricle
- Q16.1 Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)
- Q16.2 Absence of eustachian tube
- Q16.3 Congenital malformation of ear ossicles
- Q16.4 Other congenital malformations of middle ear
- Q16.5 Congenital malformation of inner ear
- Q16.9 Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified
About the Q16 Code Range
These ear differences are present at birth and impair hearing. The subdivisions separate differences in the outer, middle and inner ear, as well as the eustachian tube.
Q16.0 identifies an absent auricle, the visible outer ear. Q16.1 describes an absent, closed or narrowed outer ear canal. Q16.2 identifies an absent eustachian tube, while Q16.3 describes malformed ear ossicles, or small ear bones. Q16.4 and Q16.5 distinguish middle ear from inner ear malformations. Q16.9 describes an unspecified ear malformation that impairs hearing.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Q16 range?
Of the 8 codes in this range, 7 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the Q16 range classify?
The range classifies congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
