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Official Description

Acoustic reflex testing, threshold

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Acoustic reflex threshold testing, identified by CPT® Code 92568, is a specialized auditory assessment that evaluates the response of the stapedius muscle and tensor tympani to loud sounds. This testing is crucial for understanding the functionality of the middle ear and the auditory pathway. When a loud sound is presented, the stapedius muscle contracts, which in turn causes the stapes bone to move. This movement is a protective mechanism that helps to reduce the transmission of loud sounds to the inner ear, thereby preventing potential damage to the auditory structures. The acoustic reflex threshold specifically measures the minimum intensity of sound that can trigger this reflex contraction of the stapedius muscle. The testing is typically conducted using the same equipment employed for tympanometry, where a loud sound is emitted, prompting the stapedius muscle to contract. This contraction alters the immittance of the middle ear, which is then recorded as a deflection on the testing device. The physician is responsible for reviewing and interpreting these results to assess the integrity of the auditory system and to identify any potential abnormalities in the reflex pathway.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Acoustic reflex threshold testing is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the auditory system is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this testing:

  • Hearing Loss Evaluation This test is often performed as part of a comprehensive audiological evaluation to determine the type and extent of hearing loss.
  • Middle Ear Dysfunction It helps in assessing the function of the middle ear structures, particularly in cases of suspected otitis media or other middle ear pathologies.
  • Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder The test can assist in diagnosing auditory neuropathy, where the transmission of sound signals from the inner ear to the brain is disrupted.
  • Facial Nerve Assessment It may be indicated in cases where there is a need to evaluate the integrity of the facial nerve, as the stapedius muscle is innervated by this nerve.

2. Procedure

The procedure for acoustic reflex threshold testing involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement and interpretation of results. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably in a quiet environment to minimize external noise interference. The audiologist explains the procedure to the patient to ensure understanding and cooperation.
  • Step 2: Equipment Setup The audiologist prepares the tympanometry device, which is also used for acoustic reflex testing. The appropriate ear probe is selected and calibrated to ensure accurate sound delivery and measurement.
  • Step 3: Sound Emission A series of loud sounds are emitted through the probe into the ear canal. These sounds are presented at varying intensities to determine the threshold at which the stapedius muscle contracts.
  • Step 4: Measurement of Reflex Response As the loud sounds are presented, the device measures changes in middle ear immittance. The contraction of the stapedius muscle alters the immittance, which is recorded as a deflection on the device.
  • Step 5: Data Interpretation After the testing is complete, the audiologist or physician reviews the recorded data to interpret the results. This analysis helps in determining the acoustic reflex threshold and assessing the overall function of the auditory system.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for acoustic reflex threshold testing is generally minimal, as the test is non-invasive and does not require any recovery time. Patients may resume their normal activities immediately following the test. The audiologist or physician will discuss the results with the patient, providing insights into the findings and any further steps that may be necessary based on the outcomes. If any abnormalities are detected, additional diagnostic testing or referrals to specialists may be recommended to address underlying issues.

Short Descr ACOUSTIC REFL THRESHOLD TST
Medium Descr ACOUSTIC REFLEX THRESHOLD
Long Descr Acoustic reflex testing, threshold
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 7 - Physical Therapy Service, for which Payment may not be Made
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
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).
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.
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
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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