Auditory recruitment
ICD-10 H93.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of auditory recruitment.
Auditory recruitment is a phenomenon observed in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, characterized by an abnormal increase in perceived loudness of sounds as their intensity increases. This condition often occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory pathways, leading to a reduced dynamic range of hearing. Patients may experience difficulty in understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, as they may perceive background noise as excessively loud while struggling to hear softer sounds. The clinical presentation can vary, with patients reporting a sensation of fullness in the ears, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing levels. Diagnosis typically involves audiometric testing, including pure-tone audiometry and speech recognition tests, to assess the degree of hearing loss and the presence of recruitment. Management may include hearing aids, auditory training, or cochlear implants, depending on the severity of the hearing loss and the patient's specific needs. Understanding auditory recruitment is crucial for audiologists and otolaryngologists in tailoring appropriate interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Detailed patient history, audiometric test results, and treatment plans must be documented.
Patients presenting with sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or difficulty understanding speech.
Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests are included in the documentation to support the use of H93.21.
Comprehensive audiological evaluations and patient-reported outcomes should be documented.
Patients undergoing hearing assessments for suspected auditory recruitment.
Documenting the specifics of the recruitment phenomenon observed during testing is crucial.
Used during the evaluation of auditory recruitment.
Document all test results and patient responses during the evaluation.
Audiologists should ensure that the evaluation includes specific tests for recruitment.
Auditory recruitment is an abnormal increase in perceived loudness of sounds in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, affecting their ability to hear in noisy environments.
Diagnosis is made through audiometric testing, which assesses the dynamic range of hearing and identifies the presence of recruitment.
Management may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory training, tailored to the individual's specific hearing loss and needs.
