ICD-10 Code H91.2 – Sudden idiopathic hearing loss (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H91.2 – Sudden idiopathic hearing loss
What it is
H91.2 identifies sudden idiopathic hearing loss, meaning a rapid, unexplained loss of hearing. Use it when the record documents sudden onset and no clear cause is identified.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include abrupt unilateral or bilateral hearing reduction, often noticed over hours to days. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the degree of loss and whether tinnitus or ear fullness is recorded.
When to use this code
Use H91.2 when the clinician documents sudden hearing loss and states it is idiopathic, unexplained, or of unknown cause. It may also apply when the note supports sudden sensorineural hearing loss without another specified etiology. Check documentation if the cause is traumatic, infectious, or conductive.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, or hearing loss with a documented cause. If the chart identifies trauma, infection, cerumen, or other specific etiology, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Verify that “sudden” and “idiopathic” are both supported in the record before assigning H91.2.