Chronic mucoid otitis media, bilateral

This code signifies a persistent, non-purulent inflammation of the middle ear in both ears, characterized by the presence of thick, mucous-like fluid behind the eardrum. It indicates a long-standing condition where the eustachian tube dysfunction leads to fluid accumulation without active infection.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "chronic mucoid otitis media" affecting both ears. This diagnosis is typically supported by otoscopic findings of dull, bulging tympanic membranes with fluid, and often by audiometry showing conductive hearing loss.

• Differentiate from acute serous or suppurative otitis media; this code is for chronic, non-infectious mucoid fluid.
• Ensure laterality is clearly documented as bilateral; separate codes exist for unilateral involvement.
• Consider additional codes for associated symptoms like hearing loss (H90.x) or eustachian tube dysfunction (H69.x).