Diagnosis code H90.5 precisely identifies sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified.
Diagnosis codes are a crucial component of the healthcare system, providing a universal language for classifying health conditions. These codes are used by healthcare professionals worldwide for purposes ranging from medical documentation and billing to tracking health trends and conducting research.
Understanding Diagnosis Code H90.5
Under the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) system, H90.5 is a specific code used to report a particular type of hearing impairment. It belongs to a broader category related to disorders of the ear.
| Code | Description | Category | Subcategory | Type of Hearing Loss | Specificity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H90.5 | Sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified | Diseases of the ear and mastoid process | Other disorders of ear | Sensorineural | Unspecified |
This code indicates that a patient has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, but the comprehensive details regarding its origin, which ear or ears are affected (laterality), or its exact degree of severity are not yet explicitly known or documented.
What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common type of hearing loss that originates from damage to the inner ear (specifically the cochlea) or the auditory nerve, which carries sound signals to the brain. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which involves issues with sound conduction to the inner ear, SNHL often results in permanent hearing impairment. The severity can range from mild to profound, impacting a person's ability to hear clearly, especially in noisy environments.
Common factors and conditions that can lead to sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Aging (Presbycusis): The most frequent cause, involving a gradual, age-related decline in hearing.
- Noise Exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals are born with SNHL or develop it later in life due to inherited conditions.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases such as Meniere's disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or infections (e.g., mumps, measles, meningitis) can affect the inner ear.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can have adverse effects on hearing, leading to SNHL.
Implications of "Unspecified" in H90.5
The term "unspecified" in H90.5 carries significant clinical implications. It is used when:
- Initial Assessment: A healthcare provider has identified sensorineural hearing loss, but a complete diagnostic workup—which might include extensive audiological testing, imaging (like an MRI), or specialist consultation—is still pending to determine the specific cause or laterality.
- Incomplete Documentation: The patient's medical records or the clinician's notes do not provide sufficient detail to assign a more specific ICD-10 code. For instance, if it's unknown whether the loss is unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears), or if the specific cause is still under investigation.
- Further Investigation is Required: The use of H90.5 often acts as a signal that more detailed diagnostic procedures or specialist referrals are necessary to fully characterize the hearing loss. This allows for more targeted treatment planning and management.
While using a more precise code is always preferred when detailed information is available, H90.5 serves as a practical and appropriate code when initial findings confirm sensorineural hearing loss but specific etiological or anatomical details are yet to be determined.
