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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. H60–H95
  4. H90-H94
  5. Other and unspecified hearing loss (H91)

Other and unspecified hearing loss (H91)

The ICD-10 code section H91 covers various types of hearing loss that are either not classified elsewhere or unspecified, with subcodes addressing specific causes and locations such as ototoxicity, presbycusis, sudden idiopathic hearing loss, and other specified hearing impairments.

This section is used to code hearing loss conditions that don’t fall under more common or clearly defined categories. For example, H91.0 specifies ototoxic hearing loss, which refers to ear damage caused by toxic drugs or chemicals, also known as "ototoxicity" or drug-induced deafness. Codes like H91.1 refer to presbycusis, a gradual sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging. Sudden unexplained hearing loss is captured under H91.2, termed "sudden idiopathic hearing loss," which is also called sudden hearing loss. Other codes such as H91.8 cover other specified hearing loss types, with synonyms including psychogenic or partial deafness. The H91.9 codes address unspecified hearing loss conditions, often used when the exact cause or ear affected is unknown but can cover a broad range of hearing difficulties. Recognizing these distinctions helps healthcare professionals and medical coders select the precise ICD-10 code for documenting different types of hearing loss accurately.

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.

  • abnormal auditory perception H93.2
  • hearing loss as classified in H90
  • impacted cerumen H61.2
  • noise-induced hearing loss H83.3
  • psychogenic deafness F44.6
  • transient ischemic deafness H93.01

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.

Choanal Atresia

A congenital abnormality that is characterized by a blocked CHOANAE, the opening between the nose and the NASOPHARYNX. Blockage can be unilateral or bilateral; bony or membranous.

Choroideremia

An X chromosome-linked abnormality characterized by atrophy of the choroid and degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium causing night blindness.

Correction of Hearing Impairment

Procedures for correcting HEARING DISORDERS.

Deafness

A general term for the complete loss of the ability to hear from both ears.

Hearing Disorders

Conditions that impair the transmission of auditory impulses and information from the level of the ear to the temporal cortices, including the sensorineural pathways.

Hearing Loss

A general term for the complete or partial loss of the ability to hear from one or both ears.

Hearing Loss, Bilateral

Partial hearing loss in both ears.

Hearing Loss, Central

Hearing loss due to disease of the AUDITORY PATHWAYS (in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM) which originate in the COCHLEAR NUCLEI of the PONS and then ascend bilaterally to the MIDBRAIN, the THALAMUS, and then the AUDITORY CORTEX in the TEMPORAL LOBE. Bilateral lesions of the auditory pathways are usually required to cause central hearing loss. Cortical deafness refers to loss of hearing due to bilateral auditory cortex lesions. Unilateral BRAIN STEM lesions involving the cochlear nuclei may result in unilateral hearing loss.

Hearing Loss, Conductive

Hearing loss due to interference with the mechanical reception or amplification of sound to the COCHLEA. The interference is in the outer or middle ear involving the EAR CANAL; TYMPANIC MEMBRANE; or EAR OSSICLES.

Hearing Loss, Functional

Hearing loss without a physical basis. Often observed in patients with psychological or behavioral disorders.

Hearing Loss, Hidden

Hearing loss that is difficult to diagnose by standard hearing tests as it most often pertains to difficulties in hearing only in certain situations such as in noisy environments.

Hearing Loss, High-Frequency

Hearing loss in frequencies above 1000 hertz.

Hearing Loss, Mixed Conductive-Sensorineural

Hearing loss due to damage or impairment of both the conductive elements (HEARING LOSS, CONDUCTIVE) and the sensorineural elements (HEARING LOSS, SENSORINEURAL) of the ear.

Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced

Hearing loss due to exposure to explosive loud noise or chronic exposure to sound level greater than 85 dB. The hearing loss is often in the frequency range 4000-6000 hertz.

Hearing Loss, Sensorineural

Hearing loss resulting from damage to the COCHLEA and the sensorineural elements which lie internally beyond the oval and round windows. These elements include the AUDITORY NERVE and its connections in the BRAINSTEM.

Hearing Loss, Sudden

Sensorineural hearing loss which develops suddenly over a period of hours or a few days. It varies in severity from mild to total deafness. Sudden deafness can be due to head trauma, vascular diseases, infections, or can appear without obvious cause or warning.

Hearing Loss, Unilateral

Partial or complete hearing loss in one ear.

Ototoxicity

Damage to the EAR or its function secondary to exposure to toxic substances such as drugs used in CHEMOTHERAPY; IMMUNOTHERAPY; or RADIATION.

Presbycusis

Gradual bilateral hearing loss associated with aging that is due to progressive degeneration of cochlear structures and central auditory pathways. Hearing loss usually begins with the high frequencies then progresses to sounds of middle and low frequencies.

Prune Belly Syndrome

A syndrome characterized by abdominal wall musculature deficiency, cryptorchism, and urinary tract abnormalities. The syndrome derives its name from its characteristic distended abdomen with wrinkled skin.

Retrocochlear Diseases

Pathological processes involving the VESTIBULOCOCHLEAR NERVE; BRAINSTEM; or CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. When hearing loss is due to retrocochlear pathology, it is called retrocochlear hearing loss.

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.