What H83 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code H83 identifies Other diseases of inner ear in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Ear and Mastoid Process chapter (H60–H95), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply H83 when an encounter's findings match the Other diseases of inner ear description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify H83 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for H83 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
H83 refers to Other diseases of inner ear, which includes conditions affecting the bony structures of the ear (e.g., otosclerosis), the vestibular system responsible for balance (e.g., vertigo, Meniere’s disease), or broader inner ear pathology. These disorders often result in hearing loss, dizziness, or coordination issues and may significantly affect quality of life.
Symptoms
- Progressive hearing loss – Characteristic of otosclerosis (H80)
- Vertigo and dizziness – Core symptoms of vestibular disorders (H81–H82)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – Frequently associated with inner ear conditions
- Imbalance or unsteady gait – Found in H81 vestibular dysfunction
- Aural fullness or ear pressure – Seen in Meniere’s disease (H81.0)
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – May occur in H83 categories
- Nausea or vomiting – Secondary to vestibular disturbances
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Other diseases of inner ear involves audiometry, tympanometry, CT or MRI (for structural or vestibular pathology), ENG/VNG (for vestibular function), and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Medical history and symptom provocation tests also guide diagnosis.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code H83 is used by ENT specialists, audiologists, and neurologists. It supports clinical documentation for surgical planning (e.g., stapedectomy in otosclerosis), vestibular rehabilitation, medication authorization, and disability assessment due to chronic dizziness or hearing loss.
Related Codes
- H80 – Otosclerosis
- H81 – Disorders of vestibular function
- H82 – Vertiginous syndromes in diseases classified elsewhere
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code H83?
A: It documents Other diseases of inner ear, referring to hearing and balance disorders originating in the bony, sensory, or fluid systems of the inner ear.
Q2: Is otosclerosis treatable?
A: Yes, with hearing aids or surgical procedures like stapedectomy to restore sound conduction.
Q3: What are examples of vestibular disorders (H81)?
A: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease.
Q4: What is coded under H82?
A: Vertiginous conditions resulting from systemic illness such as syphilis, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune diseases.
Q5: Who treats these conditions?
A: ENT specialists, audiologists, neurologists, vestibular physiotherapists, and otologists depending on the cause.
Conclusion
ICD10 code H83 provides a framework to classify, diagnose, and manage Other diseases of inner ear, ensuring appropriate referral, rehabilitation, and medical or surgical care to address auditory and balance-related dysfunctions.