Deaf nonspeaking, not elsewhere classified

This code signifies a profound hearing impairment resulting in the inability to speak, where the underlying cause is not specified or classified elsewhere. It describes individuals who are both deaf and unable to communicate verbally due to their hearing loss.

Apply this code for patients documented as having complete or severe hearing loss with a co-occurring absence of speech, and when other specific causes of deaf-mutism (e.g., congenital rubella, specific syndromes) have been ruled out or are not documented. This code is appropriate when the primary clinical presentation is the combination of deafness and mutism without a more precise etiological diagnosis.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states both "deafness" and "nonspeaking" or "mutism" due to hearing impairment.
• Review medical records for any underlying conditions that might provide a more specific diagnosis for the deaf-nonspeaking status (e.g., congenital anomalies, neurological disorders).
• Do not use if the patient has profound hearing loss but retains some form of verbal communication, even if limited.