ICD-10 Code H68.133 – Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.133 – Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral
What it is
This code describes bilateral blockage of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tubes caused by an external factor. It indicates impaired middle-ear ventilation on both sides, not a primary inner-ear disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include ear fullness, pressure, muffled hearing, popping, or recurrent middle-ear effusion when both tubes are affected.
When to use this code
Use H68.133 when the record clearly states bilateral extrinsic cartilaginous Eustachian tube obstruction. Code it when the provider identifies an outside cause or compressive process affecting both sides and documents the condition as the reason for evaluation or treatment.
Do not guess bilateral involvement from nonspecific ear symptoms alone. If the note only says Eustachian tube dysfunction, check documentation for laterality and whether the obstruction is extrinsic.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral obstruction, unspecified Eustachian tube dysfunction, or middle-ear disease without documented tubal obstruction. Check documentation if the cause is not clearly external.
Coding tip
Assign the code only when both laterality and the extrinsic cartilaginous obstruction are explicitly documented.