Unspecified Hearing Loss, Unspecified Ear

ICD Code: H91.90

Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Unspecified Hearing Loss
• Medical Term: Hearing Impairment of Unknown Cause and Affected Ear

Summary

Unspecified hearing loss refers to a reduction in the ability to hear sounds that cannot be attributed to a specific cause or ear. It is a condition where the details about the nature or side of hearing loss are not clearly defined, making diagnosis and management more challenging.

Causes

• The exact cause is often unknown, but it may include a combination of aging, noise exposure, infections, head injuries, or systemic diseases affecting auditory functions.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in older adults.
• Family history of hearing loss.
• Chronic exposure to loud noise.
• Previous ear infections or injuries.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
• Increased volume requirements for electronic devices.
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
• Perceived muffling of sounds.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive audiometric tests to assess hearing capabilities.
• Medical history analysis and physical examination of the ear.
• Possible referral to an otolaryngologist for further evaluation.

Treatment Options

• Hearing aids to amplify sounds and improve hearing clarity.
• Assistive listening devices.
• Communication strategies like lip reading training.
• Regular monitoring to assess progressive changes.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause, if identified, and the timeliness of the intervention.
• Regular follow-ups are essential to adjust hearing aids and evaluate the progression.

Complications

• Social isolation and communication challenges.
• Cognitive decline associated with untreated hearing impairment.
• Increased risk of accidents due to unawareness of auditory cues.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Protecting ears from excessive noise using ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
• Regular hearing assessments, especially for those with risk factors.
• Healthy lifestyle choices to maintain overall health, potentially benefiting auditory function.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss.
• Hearing loss accompanied by pain, dizziness, or fluid discharge from the ear.

Additional Resources

• Hearing Loss Association of America: hearingloss.org
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: asha.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure detailed clinical documentation to differentiate between conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss if applicable.
• Avoid assuming laterality unless specified in the medical records to prevent coding errors.