ICD-10 Codes for Tinnitus: Ear and Type Lookup
Find U.S. ICD-10-CM tinnitus codes for right, left, both or unspecified ears, including pulsatile tinnitus—and see how they differ from VA DC 6260.
The U.S. ICD-10-CM code for tinnitus depends on the affected ear and whether the diagnosis specifies pulsatile tinnitus. Tinnitus codes fall under H93.1; specifically documented pulsatile tinnitus has its own H93.A family. The complete codes are listed below in the 2027 ICD-10-CM ear-disorder code listing.
Tinnitus codes by ear and type
| Documented diagnosis | ICD-10-CM code |
|---|---|
| Tinnitus, right ear | H93.11 |
| Tinnitus, left ear | H93.12 |
| Tinnitus, bilateral (both ears) | H93.13 |
| Tinnitus, unspecified ear | H93.19 |
| Pulsatile tinnitus, right ear | H93.A1 |
| Pulsatile tinnitus, left ear | H93.A2 |
| Pulsatile tinnitus, bilateral (both ears) | H93.A3 |
| Pulsatile tinnitus, unspecified ear | H93.A9 |
These are U.S. Clinical Modification codes—not necessarily the codes used in other countries. As of October 31, 2026, the applicable release is FY 2027, which the CDC specifies for healthcare services from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. For an older visit or bill, check the release applicable to that encounter.
How to read or check the code
Use the documented ear. “Laterality” means which side is affected. A diagnosis of tinnitus in both ears maps to H93.13, rather than separate right- and left-ear codes. If the diagnosis specifically states bilateral pulsatile tinnitus, the corresponding code is H93.A3.
“Unspecified ear” does not mean both ears. H93.19 and H93.A9 indicate that the ear is not specified. Official guidelines say to use the documented side and seek clarification when records conflict. Unspecified-side codes should rarely be needed when the side can be established. If your visit note says “left ear” but the bill lists an unspecified-ear code, ask the clinic’s billing team to review the discrepancy. See the official laterality guidance, section I.B.13.
H93.1 alone is not a complete reimbursement code. It is a parent grouping with more detailed codes beneath it. The same applies to H93.A. Both are marked non-billable/non-specific in the tinnitus code listing and pulsatile tinnitus code listing.
The listed codes distinguish ear and pulsatile type; they do not provide separate steps for mild, severe, constant or intermittent tinnitus. Code selection should reflect the medical record, not a guess based on how the sound feels.
ICD-10-CM is not VA Diagnostic Code 6260
VA Diagnostic Code 6260 is a disability-rating code, not an ICD-10-CM diagnosis code. It appears in the VA ear-rating schedule. Finding H93.13 on a medical record does not, by itself, establish a VA percentage or service connection.
If you are checking a medical bill, use the ICD-10-CM lookup above. If you are checking a benefits decision, see our separate guide to how VA rates tinnitus.