Other acquired abnormalities of ear ossicles, bilateral

This code signifies an acquired, non-congenital structural defect or dysfunction of the malleus, incus, or stapes in both ears. These abnormalities can result from trauma, infection, or other disease processes affecting the middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss. It excludes conditions specifically classified elsewhere, such as otosclerosis or cholesteatoma.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an acquired, unspecified abnormality of the ossicles affecting both ears. This typically applies to cases of ossicular chain discontinuity, fixation, or erosion not due to congenital malformation or other specified diseases. Supporting documentation should specify the bilateral nature of the condition.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the abnormality is "acquired" and affects "bilateral" ears.
• Differentiate from congenital ossicular abnormalities (Q16.x) and specific acquired conditions like otosclerosis (H80.xx).
• Always sequence this code with a code for the associated hearing loss, if present, to fully describe the patient's condition.