Chapter VIII - Diseases of the ear and mastoid process

Question 1

What are the two types of deafness classified to category H90.-?

Answer 1

1. Conductive
2. Sensorineural

Question 2

What is Sensorineural hearing loss?

Answer 2

Inner ear damage to cochlea or auditory nerve

Question 3

What is Conductive hearing loss?

Answer 3

When the cause is in the ear canal, or conducting mechanism of the middle ear.

Question 4

Perforation of tympanic membrane (H72) must be coded in addition when associated with which condition?

Answer 4

Otitis media

Question 5

H60.2 Malignant otitis externa - what does the term malignant imply?

Answer 5

Describes a severe or rapidly progressive form of the disease. Does not indicate a malignant neoplasm of the external ear.

Question 6

What are the three parts of the ear?

Answer 6

External, middle, inner

Question 7

When must severe or profound hearing loss be coded?

Answer 7

Must always be coded when documented. It is always clinically relevant.

Question 8

When the cause of severe or profound hearing loss is recorded, how should this be coded?

Answer 8

Both the cause and the type of hearing loss must be coded. The sequencing will depend on the main condition treated/investigated during the episode.

Question 9

How is Chapter VIII (Diseases of the ear and mastoid process) organised?

Answer 9

In anatomical sequence - starting with the external ear and progressing inwards.
External ear -> Middle ear and mastoid -> Inner ear -> Other disorders of the ear

Question 10

What does the external ear include?

Answer 10

Pinna, auricle, outer ear canal

Question 11

What does the middle ear and mastoid include?

Answer 11

Tympanic membrane, auditory ossicles, eustachian tube, mastoid antrum and cells.