ICD-10 Code H74.321 – Partial loss of ear ossicles, right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H74.321 – Partial loss of ear ossicles, right ear
What it is
This code identifies partial absence or loss of one or more middle-ear ossicles on the right side. It refers to an anatomic defect that can affect sound transmission through the middle ear.
Clinical signs
Patients may have conductive hearing loss, reduced hearing on the right, or abnormal findings on otologic examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H74.321 when the record specifically documents partial loss of the right ear ossicles, whether congenital or acquired, and the provider links the finding to the right ear. You may also use it when imaging or surgical documentation confirms ossicular loss. Check documentation if the note only mentions hearing loss without an anatomic diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for left or bilateral ossicular loss, or for nonspecific conductive hearing loss without documented ossicular abnormality. Do not assign it if the chart only says “ear disease” or “ossicle abnormality” without laterality.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and whether the ossicular loss is partial before coding, because the record must support the exact right-ear diagnosis.