ICD-10 Code H91.09 – Ototoxic hearing loss, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H91.09 – Ototoxic hearing loss, unspecified ear
What it is
H91.09 identifies hearing loss attributed to ototoxic exposure when the affected ear is not specified. Use it when documentation links the hearing loss to a medication or other ototoxic cause, but laterality is not stated.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include reduced hearing after exposure to a known ototoxic agent, such as certain drugs. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the degree, timing, and whether one or both ears are involved.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states ototoxic hearing loss and does not identify the right or left ear. It also fits when the provider documents hearing loss due to ototoxicity without further ear detail. Check documentation if the cause is uncertain or if another hearing-loss type is documented instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hearing loss with a specified ear, or when ototoxicity is only suspected. Do not assign it if the chart documents a different cause of hearing loss. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the ototoxic cause and the absence of laterality before coding H91.09.