ICD-10 Code H90.5 – Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H90.5 – Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss
What it is
H90.5 identifies sensorineural hearing loss when the record does not specify laterality, severity, or a more exact type. Use it for hearing loss caused by inner ear or auditory nerve dysfunction when documentation remains nonspecific.
Clinical signs
Common findings include reduced hearing acuity, trouble understanding speech, and difficulty hearing in background noise. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and audiology results when available.
When to use this code
Use H90.5 when the provider documents sensorineural hearing loss but does not identify whether it is unilateral, bilateral, or otherwise specified. It also fits when the chart confirms a sensorineural pattern, yet the note lacks enough detail for a more specific code. Check documentation before defaulting to unspecified coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for conductive or mixed hearing loss, or when the record clearly states unilateral or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. If another type is documented, select the more specific code.
Coding tip
Query the provider when laterality or specificity is missing, because H90.5 should be used only when the documentation cannot support a more precise code.