Discontinuity and dislocation of ear ossicles, bilateral

This code signifies a structural disruption in the chain of the malleus, incus, and stapes within both middle ears. This discontinuity or dislocation impairs the efficient transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states bilateral discontinuity or dislocation of the ear ossicles. This typically follows trauma, chronic otitis media, or surgical complications, and is often identified during otoscopic examination, audiometry, and imaging studies.

• Ensure documentation specifies bilateral involvement; separate codes exist for unilateral conditions.
• Distinguish from ossicular fixation (H74.21-), which involves immobility rather than structural separation.
• Code any underlying cause, such as trauma or chronic otitis media, as an additional diagnosis.