Q16: Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
Q16.2: Absence of eustachian tube
The ear is a sensory organ that is used to hear and to maintain one’s balance. There are 3 different areas in the ear: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The middle ear begins behind the eardrum. It consists of the air-filled tympanic cavity and the 3 ossicles. The middle ear is connected to the throat by a passageway. This allows air to get to the middle ear. The canal that connects the middle ear to the throat is called the Eustachian tube.
While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. A child’s development in the womb being disrupted can cause malformations. In the case of certain maternal or child illnesses, the connection between the throat and the middle ear may not be established,
resulting in the connection between the throat and the middle ear being missing or not fully formed. Ear deformities can lead to poorer hearing with the affected ear or no hearing at all.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.