Hyponasality

This code signifies a speech disorder characterized by reduced or absent nasal resonance during speech, often making the speaker sound "stuffed up" or like they have a cold. It results from insufficient airflow through the nasal cavity during the production of nasal sounds (m, n, ng).

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of hyponasality, often observed in patients with nasal obstruction due to conditions like severe allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or adenoid hypertrophy. Supporting documentation should include speech-language pathology evaluations or physician notes detailing the auditory perceptual characteristics of the patient's speech.

• Differentiate from hypernasality, which is excessive nasal resonance.
• Code any underlying cause of the hyponasality (e.g., nasal polyps, adenoid hypertrophy) as a primary diagnosis, with this code as a secondary diagnosis.
• Ensure the medical record clearly distinguishes between temporary congestion and a persistent speech characteristic.