ICD-10 Code H94.02 – Acoustic neuritis in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H94.02 – Acoustic neuritis in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere, left ear
What it is
This code identifies acoustic neuritis affecting the left ear when the nerve inflammation is linked to an infectious or parasitic disease classified elsewhere. Use it when the record specifies the left side and the underlying cause is documented separately.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Records may describe hearing loss, ear pain, tinnitus, or other auditory nerve symptoms, but the key point is the documented inflammatory neuritis and left-ear involvement.
When to use this code
Use H94.02 when the clinician documents acoustic neuritis in the left ear and links it to an infectious or parasitic condition. You should also have the underlying disease identified elsewhere in the chart, since this code does not name the cause.
Choose this code when laterality matters and the note clearly distinguishes the left ear from the right or bilateral side. If the documentation only says “hearing problem” or “ear infection,” check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific hearing loss, otitis media, or vertigo without documented acoustic neuritis. It is also wrong when the infectious or parasitic cause is not established.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and the linked infectious or parasitic diagnosis before assigning H94.02.