Exposure to noise (W42)
The ICD-10 code W42 and its subcodes classify cases of exposure to harmful noise, including supersonic waves and other types of noise pollution. These codes are used to document injuries or conditions caused by such environmental noise exposures.
The W42 category covers all incidents involving exposure to noise, with specific codes like W42.0 for exposure to supersonic waves, and W42.9 for other noise types, including occupational noise and noise pollution. Each subcode can specify the timing of the encounter; initial (XXA), subsequent (XXD), or sequela (XXS); which helps medical coders distinguish between new injuries, follow-ups, or complications arising from prior exposures. These codes are essential when coding for conditions related to accidents caused by noise exposure, such as those described as “accident caused by exposure to noise,” “accident caused by supersonic waves,” and terms like “noise pollution” or “occupational noise exposure.” Using these codes informs healthcare providers and insurers about the noise-related cause impacting the patient’s health.
External causes of morbidity and mortality (V01–Y99)
Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)
W42 Exposure to noise
W42.0 Exposure to supersonic waves
- W42.0XXA Exposure to supersonic waves, initial encounter
- W42.0XXD Exposure to supersonic waves, subsequent encounter
- W42.0XXS Exposure to supersonic waves, sequela
W42.9 Exposure to other noise
- W42.9XXA Exposure to other noise, initial encounter
- W42.9XXD Exposure to other noise, subsequent encounter
- W42.9XXS Exposure to other noise, sequela
Exposure to noise (W42)
Instructional Notations
7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W42
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
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.
Environmental Pollution
Contamination of the air, bodies of water, or land with substances that are harmful to human health and the environment.
Tobacco Smoke Pollution
Contamination of the air by tobacco smoke.
