Otitis Media Bilateral ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about ICD-10 codes for otitis media, symptoms, causes, treatments, and billing details.

By Wynona Jugueta on May 08, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

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Otitis Media Bilateral ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for otitis media bilateral?

Otitis media bilateral refers to inflammation or infection of the middle ear affecting both ears. These conditions may involve complications like a perforated tympanic membrane, spontaneous rupture, or recurrent infections in the right ear, left ear, or unspecified ear.

Below are some ICD-10-CM codes for otitis media bilateral, including those for acute, chronic, and unspecified otitis media:

  • H65.03 – Acute serous otitis media, bilateral
  • H65.23 – Chronic serous otitis media, bilateral
  • H65.33 – Chronic mucoid otitis media, bilateral
  • H65.493: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateral
  • H65.196 - Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, recurrent, bilateral
  • H66.43: Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, bilateral
  • H66.93: Otitis media, unspecified, bilateral

Which otitis media bilateral ICD codes are billable?

All the codes listed above are eligible for use in medical claims related to otitis media bilateral and related middle ear disorders.

Clinical information

Otitis media bilateral involves concurrent infection or inflammation in both external ears or middle ears, and it can present as acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent. Types include:

  • Acute otitis media
  • Allergic otitis media and subacute allergic otitis media
  • Serous otitis media bilateral or unilateral
  • Mucoid otitis media and hemorrhagic otitis externa (external inflammation)
  • Other otitis externa including noninfective acute otitis externa

These conditions may be complicated by an associated perforated tympanic membrane, spontaneous rupture, or associated middle ear effusion. A clinical exam typically includes:

  • Otoscopy to examine the ear drum for signs of infection (redness, fluid, bulging)
  • Audiometry or tympanometry for cases involving hearing loss or chronic otitis media
  • History of symptoms in the right external ear, left external ear, or both
  • Assessment of risk factors such as tobacco smoke, recurrent unspecified ear infections, and tobacco dependence

Treatment depends on type and severity:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial forms of otitis media or external ear infections
  • Analgesics for pain relief
  • ENT referrals for cases like recurrent right ear infections or suspected diseases classified elsewhere
  • Patient education on prevention, such as avoiding environmental tobacco smoke and ensuring good ear hygiene

Synonyms include

  • Bilateral ear infection
  • Ear infection in both ears
  • Double-sided otitis media
  • Dual otitis media
  • Both ear otitis media
  • Otitis media in both ears

Frequently asked questions

What are the common causes of otitis media bilateral?

Otitis media bilateral is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections that spread to both middle ears, often following upper respiratory tract infections. Other contributing factors include environmental tobacco smoke, allergies, and Eustachian tube dysfunction.

How is otitis media bilateral treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but it often includes antibiotics for bacterial infections and pain relievers to manage symptoms. In chronic or recurrent cases, ear tubes or referral to an ENT specialist may be necessary.

Can otitis media bilateral lead to hearing loss?

Yes, if left untreated, otitis media bilateral can cause temporary or, in rare chronic cases, permanent hearing loss due to fluid buildup, middle ear damage, or a perforated tympanic membrane. Prompt diagnosis and management are key to preventing complications.

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