Name of the Condition

• Encounter for Hearing Examination Following Failed Hearing Screening

Summary

• This condition represents a follow-up medical appointment for individuals who have undergone initial hearing screening and did not pass. The purpose is to conduct a comprehensive hearing examination to identify any underlying hearing issues.

Causes

• A failed hearing screening can be caused by various factors, including temporary conditions like earwax blockage or fluid in the middle ear, as well as permanent conditions like congenital hearing loss or age-related hearing decline.

Risk Factors

• Newborns and young children are often screened, as early detection is crucial.
• Risk factors include a family history of hearing loss, premature birth, infections during pregnancy, and exposure to loud noise or ototoxic medications.

Symptoms

• The initial screening failure itself is an indicator of potential hearing issues. Symptoms might include difficulty understanding speech, asking for repetition, or turning up the volume on electronic devices.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing the underlying cause of a failed hearing screening typically involves a more in-depth audiological evaluation, which may include audiometry tests, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions testing.

Treatment Options

• Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include hearing aids, surgical intervention (such as cochlear implants), managing ear infections, or lifestyle adjustments to protect hearing.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With early detection and appropriate intervention, individuals can often achieve satisfactory outcomes. Follow-up is crucial to monitor changes in hearing ability and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Complications

• If left unresolved, hearing issues can affect communication, learning, and social interaction, particularly in children, potentially leading to delayed language development.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Preventive measures include regular hearing check-ups, protecting ears from loud noises, and addressing ear infections promptly. Maintaining overall ear health is important to prevent further loss.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek help if there is recurrent failure in hearing screenings, persistent symptoms, or difficulty in communication that affects daily life. Early evaluation by a hearing specialist is advised for any concerns.

Additional Resources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Hearing Health Foundation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to code for the follow-up encounter specifically after a failed hearing screening.
• Distinguish this code from other ICD codes related to hearing loss or routine hearing checks.
• Verify documentation to confirm the encounter is indeed for further examination post-screening failure.