H91: ICD10 Code for Other and unspecified hearing loss

H91 refers to Other and unspecified hearing loss, a set of ear-related conditions involving hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), ear pain, fluid accumulation, and disorders caused by or associated with systemic illness. These conditions may result from aging, infections, trauma, or congenital issues.

Symptoms

• Partial or complete hearing loss – Found in H90 and H91 categories
• Ear pain (otalgia) – Especially in H92 otitis-related cases
• Fluid or fullness sensation – Seen with effusion in H92.0 or H92.1
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – May appear under H93 or with hearing loss
• Hearing fluctuations or distortion – Can indicate underlying systemic or neurological issues (H94)
• Ear popping or discomfort during altitude changes – Suggestive of Eustachian tube issues under H93
• Associated systemic findings – e.g., autoimmune or infectious processes classified under H94

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Other and unspecified hearing loss includes audiometry, tympanometry, otoscopy, imaging (CT/MRI), and sometimes lab work to assess systemic associations. The type and cause of hearing loss or otalgia guide classification, treatment, and prognosis.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code H91 is used across audiology, otolaryngology (ENT), neurology, primary care, and geriatrics. It helps document hearing impairment, justify hearing aid needs, track ear pain or effusion, and link ear symptoms to broader medical conditions.

Related Codes

• H90 – Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
• H92 – Otalgia and effusion of ear
• H93 – Other disorders of ear, not elsewhere classified
• H94 – Other disorders of ear in diseases classified elsewhere

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code H91?
A: It documents Other and unspecified hearing loss, encompassing hearing loss types, ear pain, fluid retention, and systemic-related ear disorders.

Q2: What is the difference between H90 and H91?
A: H90 defines specific types of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural), while H91 includes unspecified or less defined categories.

Q3: Can ear pain occur without infection?
A: Yes, it may be caused by barotrauma, referred pain, or fluid buildup without infection (e.g., serous otitis media).

Q4: What does H94 include?
A: Ear conditions secondary to systemic diseases like autoimmune inner ear disease, tuberculosis, or meningitis.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: ENT specialists, audiologists, neurologists, and primary care providers.

Conclusion

ICD10 code H91 ensures comprehensive classification of Other and unspecified hearing loss, helping guide evaluation, treatment, hearing rehabilitation, and integration of auditory disorders with systemic health care plans.