ICD-10 Code H69.0 – Patulous Eustachian tube (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H69.0 – Patulous Eustachian tube
What it is
H69.0 identifies a patulous Eustachian tube, meaning the tube stays abnormally open instead of closing normally. This can let sound and pressure changes move too freely between the nasopharynx and middle ear.
Clinical signs
Common findings include autophony, where the patient hears their own voice loudly or echoing, and sometimes hearing breathing sounds in the ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H69.0 when the provider documents patulous Eustachian tube or clearly describes an abnormally open Eustachian tube. It may be supported by symptoms such as autophony or ear fullness when documented as part of this diagnosis. Check documentation if the note only mentions nonspecific ear discomfort.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for Eustachian tube obstruction, dysfunction without patulous findings, or middle ear disease described under a different diagnosis. If the record does not clearly support patulous Eustachian tube, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code H69.0 only when the open, patulous nature of the Eustachian tube is explicitly documented or clearly implied by the clinician.