H90.2
Conductive hearing loss, unspecified
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Inclusion Terms
- Conductive deafness NOS
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Conductive hearing loss, classified under ICD-10 code H90.2, refers to a type of hearing impairment caused by a physical obstacle or damage in the outer or middle ear. This condition prevents sound waves from effectively reaching the inner ear, resulting in reduced hearing ability. Although it is often treatable, understanding its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments can help those affected manage their condition more effectively.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Ear infections (otitis media) leading to fluid buildup Cerumen impaction (earwax blockage) Eardrum perforation or damage Ossicular chain abnormalities or dislocation Ear trauma or injury Growth of abnormal bone or tumors in the middle ear (e.g., cholesteatoma) Congenital malformations of the outer or middle ear structures Presence of foreign objects in the ear canal Fluid accumulation due to allergies or sinus issues Ossification or calcification of middle ear structures
Key Symptoms: Reduced ability to hear soft sounds Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments Perception of muffled or distorted sounds A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear Ear pain or discomfort Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Occasional dizziness or imbalance in some cases Conductive hearing loss typically affects one or both ears
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Otoscopic examination to inspect the outer and middle ear structures Pure-tone audiometry to assess hearing thresholds Tympanometry to evaluate eardrum mobility and middle ear pressure Acoustic reflex testing to measure reflex responses in the middle ear Imaging studies like CT scans if structural abnormalities or tumors are suspected
Treatment Protocols: Removal of earwax or foreign objects from the ear canal Medications such as antibiotics or antifungal agents for infections Surgical procedures like tympanoplasty to repair perforated eardrums Ossiculoplasty or ossicular chain reconstruction for fixing or replacing damaged ossicles Management of underlying conditions like allergies Hearing aids or bone conduction devices when appropriate to amplify sound Regular follow-up and monitoring to assess treatment effectiveness
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is H90.2 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H90.2 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report H90.2?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Conductive hearing loss, unspecified and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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