Name of the Condition

• Mixed Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Right Ear
• ICD-10 Code: H90.71

Summary

Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear is a condition where both types of hearing loss occur simultaneously. While the right ear experiences hearing impairment, the left ear retains normal hearing abilities. This condition affects the ability to hear clearly in the affected ear.

Causes

• Conductive hearing loss: Blockages in the ear canal, middle ear infections, fluid build-up, or malformations.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Damage to the inner ear structures or auditory nerve due to aging, noise exposure, or certain diseases.

Risk Factors

• Family history of hearing loss
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Age-related degeneration
• Head trauma
• Chronic ear infections

Symptoms

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Experiencing sounds as muffled or distant in the right ear
• Inability to hear soft sounds
• Tinnitus (ringing) in the affected ear

Diagnosis

• Audiometry tests to assess hearing levels
• Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
• Imaging studies like MRI or CT scan for detailed views of ear structures

Treatment Options

• Hearing aids to amplify sound
• Surgical interventions such as cochlear implants or ossicular chain reconstruction
• Medications to treat infections or reduce inflammation

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Outcomes vary depending on the underlying causes and treatment response.
• Regular audiometric evaluations to monitor hearing changes.
• Early intervention can prevent further deterioration and improve quality of life.

Complications

• Social withdrawal or depression due to communication difficulties
• Increased risk of falls and accidents
• Cognitive decline associated with untreated hearing loss

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Protect ears from excessive noise exposure by using earplugs.
• Regular audiological check-ups, especially for high-risk individuals.
• Prompt treatment of ear infections or other auditory issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden or rapid hearing loss in the right ear
• Persistent ear pain or discharge
• Difficulty understanding conversations in quiet environments

Additional Resources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): asha.org
• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): hearingloss.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct laterality by corroborating documentation that specifies the right ear.
• Differentiate between mixed, conductive, and sensorineural types for accurate coding.
• Be aware of documentation specifying hearing levels in the contralateral ear to use the correct code.

Common coding errors may include selecting incorrect laterality or not recognizing the mixed nature of the hearing loss.