H90.0
Conductive hearing loss, bilateral
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Bilateral conductive hearing loss is a condition where both ears have difficulty conducting sound waves to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss affects the transmission of sound, often resulting in a reduction in hearing ability. It can impact a person's ability to hear quiet sounds, understand speech, especially in noisy environments, and may influence overall communication. Recognizing this condition early is important for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Ear infections (otitis media) leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear Earwax (cerumen) blockage obstructing the ear canal Eustachian tube dysfunction impairing pressure regulation in the middle ear Perforated eardrum from injury or infection Abnormalities or malformations of the middle ear structures, such as ossicular chain problems Otosclerosis causing abnormal bone growth around the stapes bone Cholesteatoma, a benign growth in the middle ear Trauma or injury to the ear or head Congenital conditions affecting ear structure Tumors or growths impacting the middle ear
Key Symptoms: Reduced hearing ability in both ears Muffled or dull sounds Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments Awareness of ear fullness or pressure Possible ear pain or discomfort depending on the underlying cause Listening fatigue due to increased effort required to hear Occasional dizziness if inner ear involvement occurs
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Pure-tone audiometry to assess hearing thresholds Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function Acoustic reflex testing Otoacoustic emissions testing Imaging studies like CT scans to visualize middle ear structures for anatomical abnormalities
Treatment Protocols: Medications such as antibiotics for infections Removal of earwax impaction Surgical procedures like tympanoplasty to repair a perforated eardrum Ossiculoplasty or more advanced middle ear surgeries to reconstruct ossicles Use of hearing aids designed for conductive hearing loss Management of Eustachian tube dysfunction with nasal decongestants or balloon dilation Addressing congenital or structural abnormalities through specialized surgeries
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is H90.0 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H90.0 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report H90.0?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Conductive hearing loss, bilateral and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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