Presbycusis, unspecified ear

This code signifies age-related hearing loss that has not been specified as unilateral or bilateral. It represents a gradual, progressive sensorineural hearing impairment typically affecting both ears symmetrically, characterized by difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

Assign this code when documentation indicates presbycusis without specifying laterality. This is appropriate when the provider diagnoses age-related hearing loss but does not specify if it affects one or both ears, or if the laterality is unknown at the time of coding.

• Avoid using this code if laterality (left, right, or bilateral) is clearly documented; instead, use the more specific codes.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "presbycusis" or "age-related hearing loss" to support this diagnosis.
• This code should not be used for other types of hearing loss, such as noise-induced or conductive hearing loss.