ICD-10 Code H74.1 – Adhesive Middle Ear Disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H74.1 – Adhesive middle ear disease
What it is
Adhesive middle ear disease is a chronic ear condition in which the eardrum and middle ear structures become stuck together by scarring or retraction. It reflects long-standing dysfunction of the middle ear.
Clinical signs
You may see a retracted tympanic membrane, reduced mobility on exam, and conductive hearing loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H74.1 when the provider documents adhesive middle ear disease, adhesive otitis, or similar chronic adhesive changes of the middle ear. It fits cases where scarring or fixation is the primary diagnosis. Check documentation if the note only describes nonspecific otitis media or effusion.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute ear infection, simple middle ear effusion, or hearing loss without documented adhesive disease. If the record does not clearly identify adhesive middle ear pathology, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code H74.1 only when the clinician specifically documents adhesive middle ear disease or an equivalent term.