Discontinuity and dislocation of left ear ossicles

This code signifies a structural disruption within the left middle ear, specifically involving the ossicular chain (malleus, incus, stapes). This discontinuity or dislocation impairs the normal transmission of sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear, leading to conductive hearing loss.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a separation or displacement of one or more ossicles in the left ear, often identified during otoscopy, tympanometry, or surgical exploration. This typically results from trauma, chronic otitis media, or cholesteatoma.

• Specify laterality; this code is for the left ear only.
• Ensure documentation differentiates between discontinuity (separation) and dislocation (displacement) if possible, though this code covers both.
• Consider additional codes for the underlying cause (e.g., trauma, infection) or associated conditions like conductive hearing loss.