Understanding Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL Bilateral, Bilateral SNHL, BSNHL): This resource provides information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for BSNHL. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Find details relevant for healthcare professionals, including ICD-10 codes and best practices for accurate medical record keeping related to SNHL.
Also known as
Sensorineural hearing loss
Covers various types of sensorineural hearing loss.
Other central deafness
Includes central hearing loss which may be related.
Other sensorineural hearing loss
This is a more general category for sensorineural loss.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is hearing loss confirmed sensorineural and bilateral?
Yes
Is there a documented etiology?
No
Do not code as sensorineural hearing loss. Review documentation and code appropriate diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Hearing loss in both ears due to inner ear issues. |
| Hearing loss in one ear due to inner ear issues. |
| Hearing loss due to outer or middle ear problems. |
Incorrect coding of bilaterality (e.g., using unilateral codes) can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data reporting for sensorineural hearing loss.
Lack of documentation specifying the cause or severity of SNHL may result in coding errors and impact quality metrics and medical necessity reviews.
Insufficient documentation differentiating conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss can lead to inappropriate code assignment affecting reimbursement and clinical data.
Q: What are the key differential diagnoses to consider when evaluating a patient with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of unknown etiology?
A: When encountering a patient presenting with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), especially of unknown cause, it's crucial to develop a broad differential diagnosis. Common considerations include inherited genetic conditions like connexin 26 mutations, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, and autoimmune inner ear disease. Less common, but important, differentials include acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), multiple sclerosis affecting the auditory pathway, and ototoxic medications. Explore how a thorough patient history, including family history of hearing loss and exposure to loud noise or ototoxic drugs, alongside diagnostic testing such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the internal auditory canals, can help pinpoint the underlying etiology and guide appropriate management. Consider implementing a standardized evaluation protocol for SNHL to ensure comprehensive assessment and avoid diagnostic delays.
Q: How can I distinguish between noise-induced bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) in an older adult patient?
A: Differentiating between noise-induced bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) in older adults can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Noise-induced hearing loss often presents with a notched audiogram, typically around 4kHz, while presbycusis usually exhibits a sloping high-frequency hearing loss. A detailed patient history, including occupational noise exposure and recreational activities, is vital. While both conditions can impact high-frequency hearing, noise-induced hearing loss may have a history of tinnitus and difficulty understanding speech in noise, whereas presbycusis is often more gradual and symmetrical. Learn more about advanced diagnostic tests, such as otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), which can offer insights into cochlear function and help distinguish between these conditions. Consider incorporating specific questionnaires related to noise exposure and communication difficulties to better assess the impact on the patient's quality of life.
Patient presents with complaints of bilateral hearing difficulty, consistent with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, and tinnitus. The onset of hearing loss is reported as gradual. Family history is negative for hearing impairment. Otoscopic examination reveals normal tympanic membranes bilaterally. Audiometric testing confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, with thresholds elevated across all frequencies. Word recognition scores are reduced bilaterally. Diagnosis of bilateral SNHL is made based on patient symptoms, physical examination, and audiometry results. Differential diagnoses considered include noise-induced hearing loss, presbycusis, and ototoxicity. Treatment plan includes a referral to audiology for comprehensive hearing evaluation and consideration of hearing aids or assistive listening devices. Patient education regarding hearing loss management and communication strategies was provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled in three months to monitor hearing status and assess adaptation to amplification if indicated. ICD-10 code H90.6 (bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified) is assigned. CPT codes for the evaluation and management, as well as audiometry, are documented separately.