ICD-10 Code H61.39 – Other acquired stenosis of external ear canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61.39 – Other acquired stenosis of external ear canal
What it is
H61.39 identifies an acquired narrowing of the external ear canal that is not congenital. It means the ear canal has become partially closed from a later cause, such as inflammation, scarring, or other documented change.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include reduced canal patency, hearing difficulty, or recurrent debris trapping, but you should code only when stenosis of the external canal is documented.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states acquired stenosis of the external ear canal and no more specific code is available. It fits outpatient, inpatient, or specialist documentation describing narrowing after disease, injury, or prior ear canal change. Check documentation for laterality or a more specific etiology if reported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for congenital ear canal narrowing or for simple earwax impaction. If the note describes a different external ear disorder, choose the documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Code the stenosis only when the provider documents it as acquired and clinically relevant.