Disorders of bilateral acoustic nerves

This code signifies a medical condition affecting both the left and right acoustic nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. It encompasses a range of pathologies that impair the function of these nerves bilaterally, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance disturbances in both ears.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a disorder impacting both acoustic nerves. This typically involves findings from audiological evaluations (e.g., bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, abnormal auditory brainstem responses) or imaging studies (e.g., MRI showing bilateral acoustic neuromas or other nerve pathology).

• Ensure documentation specifies bilateral involvement of the acoustic nerves; otherwise, a unilateral code or unspecified code may be more appropriate.
• If a specific underlying cause for the bilateral acoustic nerve disorder is identified (e.g., neurofibromatosis type 2), code the underlying condition first, followed by this code.
• Distinguish from disorders primarily affecting the inner ear (e.g., Meniere's disease) unless the acoustic nerve itself is also documented as affected.