Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss

This code signifies a type of hearing impairment originating from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, where the specific cause or nature of the sensorineural loss has not been determined or documented. It indicates a permanent hearing deficit that affects the transmission of sound signals to the brain.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly states "sensorineural hearing loss" but lacks further detail regarding laterality (e.g., unilateral, bilateral) or specific etiology (e.g., noise-induced, age-related, sudden). It can be used when initial diagnostic workup is incomplete or when the provider explicitly states the sensorineural hearing loss is "unspecified."

• Avoid using this code if laterality (e.g., H90.3, H90.4) or a more specific type of sensorineural hearing loss (e.g., H90.0, H90.1, H90.A-) is documented.
• Per Excludes1 notes, do not code this with abnormal auditory perception (H93.2-) or psychogenic deafness (F44.6).
• Query the provider for more specificity regarding laterality and etiology if available in the medical record to allow for more precise coding.