Deaf, nonspeaking, not elsewhere classifiable

This code describes a patient who is profoundly deaf and, as a direct consequence of their deafness, is unable to speak. It indicates a primary communication disorder stemming from severe hearing impairment, where the inability to speak is not due to a separate neurological or anatomical speech impediment.

Use this code for individuals whose mutism is directly attributable to congenital or early-onset profound deafness, preventing the development of spoken language. Documentation should clearly state profound deafness and the resulting inability to speak, ruling out other causes for the speech impairment.

• Do not use if the patient has a separate neurological or anatomical reason for not speaking, even if deaf.
• Consider sequencing this code after the specific type and cause of deafness, if known and separately coded.
• Distinguish from codes for hearing loss with preserved speech, or speech disorders in hearing individuals.