ICD-10 Code H93.A9 – Pulsatile tinnitus, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H93.A9 – Pulsatile tinnitus, unspecified ear
What it is
H93.A9 identifies pulsatile tinnitus affecting an ear, but the side is not specified. It describes a rhythmic sound heard by the patient, often matching the heartbeat.
Clinical signs
Patients usually report a pulse-synchronous whooshing, beating, or thumping sound. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, associated hearing changes, or any confirmed vascular cause.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents pulsatile tinnitus and does not state whether it is right or left ear. It is also appropriate when the provider notes the symptom without a more specific diagnosis. If laterality is documented, choose the more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonpulsatile tinnitus or for ear pain, hearing loss, or dizziness without documented pulsatile tinnitus. Check documentation if the symptom is attributed to a specific underlying disorder.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and whether the tinnitus is pulsatile before assigning H93.A9.