ICD-10 Code H93.19 – Tinnitus, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H93.19 – Tinnitus, unspecified ear
What it is
H93.19 identifies tinnitus affecting an ear when the side is not specified. Use it for the symptom of hearing sound without an external source, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing.
Clinical signs
Patients commonly report persistent or intermittent ear noise that is heard only by them. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, duration, and associated hearing changes.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents tinnitus, but does not identify the right or left ear. It is appropriate for symptom coding in outpatient or encounter documentation when the clinician has not linked the tinnitus to a more specific cause.
If the note names a cause, such as an underlying ear disorder or medication effect, code the documented condition as instructed. Check documentation when laterality is later clarified.
Do not use for
Do not use H93.19 when the chart specifies right or left ear tinnitus, or when a more specific diagnosis is recorded. Do not assign it for non-ear noises or for symptoms not documented as tinnitus.
Coding tip
Capture laterality and any documented cause before defaulting to the unspecified code.