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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH91.8

H91.8

Billable

Other specified hearing loss

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H91.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified hearing loss.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H91.8 refers to hearing loss that does not fall into the more common categories of hearing impairment, such as sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. This code encompasses a variety of conditions that may lead to hearing loss, including but not limited to otosclerosis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and hearing loss due to other specified causes. Patients may present with symptoms such as difficulty understanding speech, a sensation of fullness in the ear, or tinnitus. Diagnostic criteria typically involve audiometric testing, which assesses the degree and type of hearing loss, and may include imaging studies to rule out structural abnormalities. Management strategies can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and may include medical treatment, hearing aids, or surgical interventions such as tympanoplasty or stapedectomy. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to ensure that patients receive the necessary care for their specific type of hearing loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to hearing loss
  • Need for comprehensive audiometric evaluation
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other ear conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific cause of hearing loss
  • Failure to link hearing loss to a specific clinical scenario
  • Use of H91.8 without supporting diagnostic tests
  • Inconsistent coding across different encounters

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed audiometric test results, clinical history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all diagnostic tests and their results are clearly documented to support the use of H91.8.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiological evaluations and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss in patients with complex medical histories.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must include specific audiometric findings and any referrals made.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H91.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H91
  • 8 should be used when the specific cause of hearing loss is documented but does not fit into other defined categories
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant tests are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H91.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92557CPT Code

Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with unspecified hearing loss.

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results must be documented.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists and audiologists should ensure that all findings are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hearing loss, enabling better tracking of conditions and outcomes. H91.8 provides a means to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hearing loss, enabling better tracking of conditions and outcomes. H91.8 provides a means to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of H91.8?

To support the use of H91.8, document the specific type of hearing loss, results of audiometric testing, and any relevant clinical history that may indicate an underlying cause.