H90.3
Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss refers to a condition where there is a reduction in hearing ability affecting both ears due to damage within the inner ear or auditory nerve. This form of hearing loss is prevalent across various age groups and can significantly impact communication, social interactions, and quality of life. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and available management options can help individuals seek appropriate care and support.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Aging (presbycusis) leading to gradual degeneration of inner ear structures Exposure to loud noises over extended periods or sudden loud noises causing inner ear damage Genetic factors affecting auditory system development or maintenance Ototoxic medications that can harm inner ear cells Infections such as meningitis, mumps, or cytomegalovirus during early childhood or adulthood Head trauma or injury damaging inner ear structures or auditory nerve Neurodegenerative disorders impacting auditory pathways Vascular issues reducing blood flow to the inner ear Tumors involving the auditory nerve, such as acoustic neuromas
Key Symptoms: Gradual or sudden hearing impairment in both ears Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus) in both ears A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears Difficulty perceiving high-frequency sounds
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive hearing assessment conducted by an audiologist. Tests may include pure-tone audiometry to measure hearing thresholds across various frequencies, speech recognition tests, and otoacoustic emissions. In some cases, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans are used to rule out structural abnormalities or tumors. The combination of clinical evaluation and test results helps determine the presence and extent of sensorineural hearing loss in both ears.
Treatment Protocols: Management of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss focuses on improving communication and quality of life. Options include:
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is H90.3 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H90.3 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report H90.3?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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