ICD-10 Code H93.213 – Auditory recruitment, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H93.213 – Auditory recruitment, bilateral
What it is
H93.213 identifies bilateral auditory recruitment, a hearing-related condition where sound becomes uncomfortably loud more quickly than expected. Use it when documentation specifically states recruitment affecting both ears.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical notes may describe reduced tolerance for louder sounds, often alongside sensorineural hearing loss. Confirm that the finding is bilateral and not simply general sound sensitivity.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents bilateral auditory recruitment as a diagnosis or assessment finding. It may appear in audiology, otology, or ENT records after hearing evaluation. Code it only when the chart clearly identifies recruitment in both ears.
Do not use for
Do not use it for unilateral recruitment, unspecified hearing loss, or nonspecific hyperacusis unless the record explicitly supports those terms. Check documentation if the note describes sound intolerance without naming recruitment.
Coding tip
Verify laterality carefully; H93.213 is specific to bilateral recruitment and should not be assigned from vague hearing complaints alone.