CPT® Code 92562

The CPT® Code 92562 refers to a loudness balance test, which can be performed using either an alternate binaural or monaural approach. This test is specifically designed to assess loudness recruitment in patients who exhibit unilateral or bilateral sensorineural (cochlear) hearing loss. Loudness recruitment is a phenomenon where individuals with hearing impairment perceive sounds at equal intensities in both their normal and impaired ears when those sounds are presented at higher intensity levels. In cases of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the recruitment effect is observed when sounds are perceived equally loud in both ears at elevated loudness levels. Conversely, in bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the recruitment phenomenon occurs at different frequencies, indicating a variation in loudness perception between the ears. The testing can be conducted in two primary formats: the alternate bilateral loudness balance (ABLB) test and the monaural loudness balance test. The ABLB test is utilized when one ear has normal hearing while the other ear has sensorineural hearing loss. During this test, a tone is alternately presented to both ears, with one ear (the fixed ear) maintaining a constant intensity while the other ear (the variable ear) has its intensity adjusted. The patient is instructed to indicate when the sound is perceived as louder in either ear or when it sounds equally loud in both. The point at which the loudness is perceived as equal is recorded. In cases where both ears exhibit sensorineural hearing loss, the alternate monaural loudness balance test is employed. This test evaluates the loudness growth of specific frequencies in the patient’s ears compared to the expected loudness growth in individuals with normal hearing. The results of the hearing balance tests can be documented in various formats, including tables or graphical representations, and a comprehensive written report detailing the findings is provided to the referring physician or healthcare provider.