H90.6
Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Bilateral mixed hearing loss, coded as H90.6 in the ICD-10 classification, refers to a condition where both ears experience a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing impairment involves issues with the transmission of sound through the ear structures and nerve pathways, affecting how sound is perceived and processed. Understanding this condition can help individuals and caregivers recognize symptoms and seek appropriate evaluations and interventions.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Chronic ear infections that cause damage to the middle and inner ear structures Exposure to loud noises over an extended period, damaging both the inner ear and auditory pathways Age-related degeneration affecting both the cochlea and the auditory nerve Genetic predispositions leading to mixed hearing loss from birth or development Head injuries or trauma causing structural damage to the ear components Ototoxic medications that harm ear tissues and nerves Infections such as meningitis or labyrinthitis affecting the inner ear and nerve pathways Cerumen buildup or ear canal issues obstructing sound transmission
Key Symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Balance problems or dizziness Sounds seeming muffled or less clear Difficulty identifying the direction of sounds Need to increase volume on devices such as TV or phone Ear pain or discomfort in some cases
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive hearing assessment conducted by an audiologist, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and acoustic impedance testing. These tests help distinguish between conductive and sensorineural components. Additional examinations might include otoscopy to inspect the ear canal and middle ear, as well as imaging studies like MRI or CT scans if structural abnormalities are suspected. The results guide the classification of the type and severity of the hearing loss.
Treatment Protocols: Hearing aids fitted to amplify sound and compensate for loss Medical or surgical interventions for treatable conditions like infections or structural abnormalities Use of assistive listening devices in specific situations Cochlear implants in severe cases where hearing aids are insufficient Antibiotics or medications if an infection is contributing to the condition Rehabilitation programs such as auditory training and speech therapy Protection from loud noises to prevent further damage
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is H90.6 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H90.6 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report H90.6?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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