In the automotive repair industry, understanding diagnostic codes is crucial for everything from vehicle systems to, perhaps less obviously, employee health. While you’re accustomed to dealing with OBD-II codes and manufacturer-specific diagnostics, understanding medical diagnosis codes like ICD-10-CM’s H91.90, Unspecified hearing loss, unspecified ear, can be surprisingly relevant. This code, while seemingly distant from car repair, touches upon an important aspect of workplace health and safety within our industry.
What is ICD-10-CM Code H91.90?
H91.90 is a specific, billable diagnosis code from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM). It is used to indicate a diagnosis of “Unspecified hearing loss, unspecified ear” for medical billing and statistical purposes. Effective since October 1, 2015, and updated annually, including the 2025 edition effective October 1, 2024, H91.90 signifies a general diagnosis of hearing loss when the specific type or ear affected isn’t detailed in the medical record.
Synonyms and Related Terms for H91.90
While “unspecified hearing loss” is the official term, H91.90 encompasses a range of hearing-related issues. Approximate synonyms that fall under this code include:
- Complete deafness
- Congenital hearing disorder
- Deafness
- Hearing disorder, congenital
- Hearing loss
- Hearing loss, high frequency
- Hearing loss, severe
- Hearing problem
- Severe hearing loss
- Speech and language developmental delay due to hearing loss
It’s important to note that in an automotive context, hearing loss is often related to noise exposure in the workplace. Terms like “noise-induced hearing loss” or “occupational hearing loss” are highly relevant to mechanics and technicians working in noisy shop environments. While H91.90 itself is unspecified, it serves as a starting point in diagnosing and classifying hearing impairments.
Why is Understanding H91.90 Relevant to Automotive Repair Professionals?
While you’re not medical professionals, awareness of codes like H91.90 can be beneficial for several reasons:
-
Worker’s Compensation Claims: Hearing loss is a recognized occupational hazard in industries with high noise levels, including automotive repair shops. Mechanics are frequently exposed to loud noises from power tools, machinery, and impact wrenches. If an employee develops hearing loss and files a worker’s compensation claim, H91.90 or a more specific hearing loss code might appear in their medical documentation. Understanding this code helps you interpret these documents and understand the nature of the claim.
-
Workplace Safety and Health: Being aware of Hearing Loss Diagnosis Codes underscores the importance of hearing protection in your workplace. Implementing hearing conservation programs and ensuring employees use proper ear protection is crucial to prevent occupational hearing loss. Understanding the potential consequences, as reflected in diagnosis codes, reinforces the need for proactive safety measures.
-
Employee Health and Awareness: Even without direct medical application, knowing about hearing loss as a potential issue can foster a culture of health awareness in your shop. Encouraging regular hearing checks for employees, especially those in high-noise areas, is a responsible practice.
Code History and Context
H91.90 has been a valid code since 2016 and has remained unchanged through the 2025 update. This indicates its continued relevance in the medical coding system. It falls under the broader category of H91, “Other and unspecified hearing loss,” and is further specified within that category as “unspecified ear.”
ICD-10-CM Codes Adjacent to H91.90
For a broader understanding, it’s helpful to see related codes. Codes adjacent to H91.90 include:
- H91.91: Unspecified hearing loss, right ear
- H91.92: Unspecified hearing loss, left ear
- H91.93: Unspecified hearing loss, bilateral
- H91.8X: Other specified hearing loss (with further laterality specifications)
- H91.3: Deaf nonspeaking, not elsewhere classified
These codes provide a more detailed classification of hearing loss based on laterality (right, left, bilateral) and specificity.
In Conclusion
While your primary focus is vehicle diagnostics, understanding medical codes like H91.90 offers valuable insight into the broader context of employee health and safety within the automotive repair industry. Recognizing the significance of “hearing loss diagnosis code” highlights the importance of noise management and hearing protection in your shop, contributing to a healthier and safer work environment for your team.
