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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for auditory canal hypoplasia

Q17.8

Other specified congenital malformations of ear

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hypoplasia, hypoplastic › auditory canal”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding auditory canal hypoplasia

The ICD-10-CM code for auditory canal hypoplasia is Q17.8 (Other specified congenital malformations of ear). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q17.8.

Within Q17, choose Q17.8 (Other specified congenital malformations of ear) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: accessory auricle (Q17.0), Macrotia (Q17.1), Microtia (Q17.2), other misshapen ear (Q17.3), Misplaced ear (Q17.4), prominent ear (Q17.5) and congenital malformation of ear, unspecified (Q17.9).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 154 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5921), DRG 155 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9322) and DRG 156 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6659), in MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific auditory canal hypoplasia codes (official index)

  • causing impairment of hearing Q16.9 — Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified

Common questions about auditory canal hypoplasia ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for auditory canal hypoplasia?

Q17.8 — Other specified congenital malformations of ear. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Q16.9.

What is the ICD-10 code for causing impairment of hearing auditory canal hypoplasia?

Q16.9 — Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified.

Is Q17.8 billable?

Yes. Q17.8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can Q17.8 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q17.8 as a principal diagnosis.

Is Q17.8 a CC or MCC?

No. Q17.8 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.