Auditory recruitment, right ear

This code signifies an abnormal growth in the perception of loudness, specifically in the right ear. It is a symptom often associated with sensorineural hearing loss, where a small increase in sound intensity leads to a disproportionately large increase in perceived loudness.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates auditory recruitment affecting the patient's right ear. This typically occurs in patients with cochlear damage, and audiometric testing results (e.g., SISI test, ABLB test) often support the diagnosis.

• Ensure the laterality (right ear) is explicitly documented.
• Do not confuse with hyperacusis, which is an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds, not necessarily tied to a disproportionate loudness growth.
• Code any underlying sensorineural hearing loss (e.g., H90.5) as a primary diagnosis if it is the cause of the recruitment.