Auditory recruitment, bilateral

This code signifies the presence of auditory recruitment affecting both ears. Auditory recruitment is an abnormal growth in the perception of loudness, where a small increase in sound intensity leads to a disproportionately large increase in perceived loudness, often associated with sensorineural hearing loss.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states bilateral auditory recruitment, typically identified during audiometric testing. This condition is often noted in patients with cochlear damage, such as those with presbycusis or noise-induced hearing loss.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, use the appropriate unilateral or unspecified code.
• This code describes a symptom/finding, and an underlying cause of hearing loss should also be coded if known.
• Do not confuse auditory recruitment with hyperacusis, which is an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds.