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Official Description

Loudness balance test, alternate binaural or monaural

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The loudness balance test (CPT® Code 92562) is indicated for the evaluation of patients who present with the following conditions:

  • Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss - This condition is characterized by hearing impairment in one ear while the other ear maintains normal hearing capabilities.
  • Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss - This condition involves hearing impairment in both ears, affecting the ability to perceive sounds at varying frequencies.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the loudness balance test involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is prepared for the test by ensuring they are in a quiet environment, free from distractions. The audiologist explains the procedure and what the patient should expect during the testing process.
  • Step 2: Selection of Testing Method - Depending on the patient's hearing condition, the audiologist selects either the alternate bilateral loudness balance (ABLB) test or the monaural loudness balance test. The ABLB test is chosen for patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, while the monaural test is used for those with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Step 3: Conducting the ABLB Test - For the ABLB test, a tone is presented alternately to the fixed ear and the variable ear. The intensity of the tone in the fixed ear remains constant, while the intensity in the variable ear is adjusted. The patient is instructed to indicate when the sound is perceived as louder in one ear or when it sounds equally loud in both ears. The audiologist records the point at which the loudness is perceived as equal.
  • Step 4: Conducting the Monaural Test - In the case of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the monaural loudness balance test is performed. This involves presenting tones to each ear separately and comparing the loudness growth of specific frequencies in the patient’s ears to the expected loudness growth in individuals with normal hearing.
  • Step 5: Documentation of Results - After completing the tests, the results are documented. The findings may be presented in a table or graphical format, and a written report summarizing the results is generated for the referring physician or healthcare provider.

3. Post-Procedure

After the loudness balance test is completed, the patient may receive instructions regarding any follow-up appointments or additional evaluations that may be necessary based on the test results. The audiologist will review the findings with the patient, discussing the implications of the results and any recommended next steps for management or treatment of their hearing condition. The written report provided will serve as a comprehensive summary of the test outcomes, which can be utilized for further clinical decision-making.

Short Descr LOUDNESS BALANCE TEST
Medium Descr LOUDNESS BALANCE BINAURAL/MONAURAL
Long Descr Loudness balance test, alternate binaural or monaural
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 02 - Procedure must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) K - Hearing Items and Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
AB Audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/npp order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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