ICD-10 Code H93.25 – Central auditory processing disorder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H93.25 – Central auditory processing disorder
What it is
H93.25 identifies central auditory processing disorder, a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting sounds, especially speech, despite normal hearing. Use this code when the problem is in auditory processing, not sound detection.
Clinical signs
Patients may seem to hear but struggle to understand speech, especially in noise, follow rapid instructions, or distinguish similar sounds. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H93.25 when the clinician documents central auditory processing disorder or central auditory processing deficit. It may apply after audiology or speech-language evaluation notes impaired auditory processing with otherwise adequate peripheral hearing. Check documentation if the record only mentions hearing loss or attention problems.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for peripheral hearing loss, tinnitus, or nonspecific listening difficulty without documented central auditory processing disorder. If the diagnosis is uncertain, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code H93.25 only when the provider clearly documents central auditory processing disorder, not when the chart simply says “difficulty hearing.”