Patulous Eustachian tube

This code describes a condition where the Eustachian tube, which normally remains closed, intermittently or persistently stays open. This can lead to autophony (hearing one's own voice or breathing sounds loudly), aural fullness, and a sensation of the ear being "open." It is often associated with rapid weight loss or hormonal changes.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of patulous Eustachian tube, often presenting with symptoms like autophony or aural fullness that are relieved by lying down or lowering the head. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the patient's symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis, potentially after otoscopic examination or tympanometry.

• Differentiate from Eustachian tube dysfunction (e.g., obstruction), which presents with different symptoms and requires different coding.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "patulous" or "patent" Eustachian tube to avoid miscoding.
• Consider any associated conditions, such as significant weight loss, and code them as secondary diagnoses if clinically relevant.