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Are you looking for the correct hearing loss ICD-10 codes for medical billing or clinical documentation? This comprehensive guide covers all current 2026 ICD-10-CM codes for hearing loss, including H90 (conductive and sensorineural hearing loss), H91 (other and unspecified hearing loss), and the latest updates on laterality coding. Whether you‘re a medical coder, audiologist, or healthcare provider, you’ll find accurate code descriptions, clinical tips, and practical examples right here.
Understanding ICD-10 Code Categories for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in ICD-10 is primarily classified under two main categories: H90 and H91.
Category H90: Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This category covers hearing loss originating from:
- Conductive hearing loss – sound waves cannot travel through the outer ear, eardrum, or middle ear due to blockages, infections, perforated eardrum, or otosclerosis-51
- Sensorineural hearing loss – damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve, often caused by aging, loud noise exposure, ototoxic medications, or genetic factors-51
- Mixed hearing loss – a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components-51
Category H91: Other and Unspecified Hearing Loss
This category covers specific hearing loss conditions that don‘t fall under H90, including:
- H91.0 – Ototoxic hearing loss – drug-induced hearing damage
- H91.1 – Presbycusis – age-related hearing loss-25
- H91.2 – Sudden idiopathic hearing loss – unexplained rapid hearing loss-25
- H91.3 – Deaf nonspeaking, NEC – not elsewhere classified
- H91.9 – Unspecified hearing loss – when detailed information is unavailable
Complete ICD-10 Code Table for Hearing Loss
H90 Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Billable in 2026)
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Type | Laterality |
|---|---|---|---|
| H90.0 | Conductive hearing loss, bilateral | Conductive | Both ears |
| H90.1 | Conductive hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on contralateral side | Conductive | One ear (normal other) |
| H90.11 | Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, right ear | Conductive | Right ear |
| H90.12 | Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, left ear | Conductive | Left ear |
| H90.2 | Conductive hearing loss, unspecified | Conductive | Unspecified |
| H90.3 | Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral | Sensorineural | Both ears |
| H90.4 | Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on contralateral side | Sensorineural | One ear (normal other) |
| H90.41 | Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear | Sensorineural | Right ear |
| H90.42 | Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear | Sensorineural | Left ear |
| H90.5 | Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss | Sensorineural | Unspecified |
| H90.6 | Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral | Mixed | Both ears |
| H90.7 | Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with unrestricted hearing on contralateral side | Mixed | One ear (normal other) |
| H90.71 | Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear | Mixed | Right ear |
| H90.72 | Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear | Mixed | Left ear |
| H90.8 | Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified | Mixed | Unspecified |
| H90.A11 | Conductive hearing loss, right ear (with restricted hearing on contralateral side) | Conductive | Right ear |
| H90.A12 | Conductive hearing loss, left ear (with restricted hearing on contralateral side) | Conductive | Left ear |
| H90.A21 | Sensorineural hearing loss, right ear (with restricted hearing on contralateral side) | Sensorineural | Right ear |
| H90.A22 | Sensorineural hearing loss, left ear (with restricted hearing on contralateral side) | Sensorineural | Left ear |
*Note: Codes with “restricted hearing on contralateral side” indicate that the opposite ear also has reduced hearing below normal levels. All H90 codes remain billable in 2026, with recent updates introducing more detailed laterality and ear-specific diagnosis options-3.*
H91 Other and Unspecified Hearing Loss (Billable in 2026)
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H91.0 | Ototoxic hearing loss |
| H91.1 | Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) |
| H91.2 | Sudden idiopathic hearing loss |
| H91.3 | Deaf nonspeaking, not elsewhere classified |
| H91.8 | Other specified hearing loss |
| H91.9 | Unspecified hearing loss |
Important Exclusion Notes: When coding with H90 or H91, exclude codes for abnormal auditory perception (H93.2-), impacted cerumen (H61.2-), noise-induced hearing loss (H83.3-), psychogenic deafness (F44.6), and transient ischemic deafness (H93.01-)-47-25.
Laterality and Severity Coding Guidelines
Medical coders should pay special attention to laterality (bilateral vs. unilateral) and contralateral hearing status:
Bilateral codes (4th character = .0, .3, .6)
- Use when hearing loss is present in both ears
- Example: H90.0 – Conductive hearing loss, bilateral
Unilateral codes with unrestricted contralateral side (4th character = .1, .4, .7)
- Use when hearing loss is present in one ear and the other ear has normal hearing
- Example: H90.11 – Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, right ear (normal left ear)
Unilateral codes with restricted contralateral side (H90.A1x, H90.A2x, H90.A3x)
- Use when hearing loss is present in one ear and the other ear also has below-normal hearing
- Example: H90.A21 – Sensorineural hearing loss, right ear (with restricted hearing on left)
Select the most specific code supported by clinical documentation to ensure accuracy in billing and reimbursement-3.
How to Use These Codes in Clinical Practice
Step 1: Identify the Type of Hearing Loss
- Conductive → Focus on outer/middle ear
- Sensorineural → Focus on inner ear/auditory nerve
- Mixed → Both
Step 2: Determine Laterality
- Bilateral → Both ears affected
- Unilateral → One ear affected
- Then specify if the contralateral side is restricted or unrestricted
Step 3: Select the Most Specific Code
- Use the complete table above for precise code selection
- Avoid “unspecified” codes when detailed documentation is available
Common Hearing Loss Disorders and Their ICD-10 Codes
| Disorder | ICD-10 Code(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Presbycusis (Age-related hearing loss) | H91.10-H91.13 | Gradual hearing loss in individuals over 60; affects both ears-51 |
| Noise-induced hearing loss | H83.3 | Hearing damage from prolonged loud noise exposure; excludes from H90/H91 |
| Ototoxic hearing loss | H91.0 | Drug-induced hearing damage; code first poisoning if applicable-2 |
| Sudden idiopathic hearing loss | H91.2 | Rapid, unexplained hearing loss; requires prompt evaluation-25 |
| Anacusis (Total deafness) | H93.8X1-H93.8X9 | Complete deafness in one or both ears; treatment includes cochlear implants |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ICD-10 code for hearing loss unspecified?
A: H91.9 – Unspecified hearing loss. However, when detailed information is available, use more specific H90 or H91 codes.
Q: What is the difference between H90 and H91?
A: H90 covers conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (types based on anatomical origin). H91 covers other specified conditions (ototoxic, presbycusis, sudden) and unspecified hearing loss-47.
Q: How do I code bilateral vs. unilateral hearing loss?
A: Use bilateral codes (H90.0, H90.3, H90.6) for both ears. Use unilateral codes with 4th character .1, .4, .7 for one affected ear, or H90.A1x/A2x/A3x for one ear affected with contralateral restriction.
Q: Are all these codes billable in 2026?
A: Yes. All H90.0-H90.8 and H90.A11-H90.A33 codes are billable in 2026, as are H91.0-H91.9 codes-3.
Q: What related codes should I consider alongside hearing loss diagnosis?
A: Consider Z97.4 (presence of external hearing aid), Z46.1 (encounter for fitting/adjustment of hearing aid), and Z01.10-Z01.118 (encounter for hearing examination) for comprehensive documentation-3.
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