ICD-10 Code H65.492 – Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.492 – Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, left ear
What it is
H65.492 identifies chronic, non-pus-forming inflammation or fluid-related disease of the middle ear in the left ear. Use it when the record specifies this diagnosis and the left side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persistent middle ear effusion, ear fullness, muffled hearing, or a history of recurrent ear disease. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media affecting the left ear. It fits cases that are chronic and non-suppurative, but do not match a more specific otitis media code. Confirm laterality and chronicity in the note.
Do not use for
Do not use it for acute otitis media, suppurative disease, or unspecified ear laterality. If the chart does not clearly support “chronic” and “left ear,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Always verify the exact ear and whether the provider documented a chronic nonsuppurative process before assigning H65.492.