Auditory recruitment, unspecified ear

This code describes auditory recruitment, a condition where there is an abnormal growth in the perception of loudness, often in response to a relatively small increase in sound intensity. It is typically associated with sensorineural hearing loss, particularly cochlear damage, and can make loud sounds uncomfortable or even painful for the patient.

Use this code when documentation indicates the presence of auditory recruitment without specifying which ear is affected. This diagnosis is often made based on patient complaints of sound distortion or discomfort at higher volumes, and may be confirmed through audiological testing such as loudness discomfort levels (LDL) or uncomfortable loudness levels (UCL).

• Ensure documentation clearly states "auditory recruitment" and does not specify laterality to justify the "unspecified ear" designation.
• If the affected ear is known (right or left), use the more specific codes (H93.211 or H93.212).
• Always code the underlying cause of the sensorineural hearing loss, if known, as a primary or secondary diagnosis.