CPT® Code 92575

Official Description

Sensorineural acuity level test

Common Language Description

The sensorineural acuity level (SAL) test is a specialized auditory assessment designed to evaluate a patient's hearing capabilities, particularly focusing on sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This test involves a comparative analysis between the hearing data of individuals with normal hearing and that of the patient undergoing evaluation. The primary objective of the SAL test is to establish a baseline of normative data, which is essential for accurately interpreting the patient's hearing loss. This baseline is derived from a group of subjects with normal hearing and includes critical measurements such as air conduction thresholds in a quiet environment for each ear, bone conduction thresholds with maximum masking for each ear, and the average normal shift in air conduction thresholds when transitioning from quiet to maximum noise levels, typically falling within the 55-60 decibel range. To conduct the SAL test, an audiometer equipped to present narrow band noise signals via bone conduction is utilized. The procedure involves the placement of insert-type earphones in the patient's ears, along with a bone oscillator that is affixed to the forehead using an adjustable headband. The testing process begins with determining the patient's air conduction thresholds in a quiet setting for each ear, followed by assessing the air conduction thresholds while maximum masking is applied through bone conduction. The shift in thresholds from quiet to noise is then calculated, allowing for the estimation of the patient's bone conduction hearing threshold. The results obtained from this test are meticulously compared to the established baseline to ascertain the type and severity of the patient's hearing loss. Ultimately, a comprehensive report is generated, which includes a written interpretation of the findings, providing valuable insights for further clinical decision-making.

1. Indications

The sensorineural acuity level (SAL) test is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms or conditions related to hearing loss. The following are specific indications for performing this test:

Hearing Loss Patients presenting with suspected sensorineural or conductive hearing loss require evaluation to determine the extent and type of their hearing impairment.
Auditory Processing Issues Individuals experiencing difficulties in processing auditory information may benefit from this test to assess their hearing acuity.
Pre- and Post-Operative Assessment The SAL test can be utilized to evaluate hearing levels before and after surgical interventions related to the auditory system.
Monitoring Hearing Changes Patients with known hearing loss may undergo this test to monitor any changes in their auditory function over time.

2. Procedure

The SAL test involves a series of methodical steps to accurately assess the patient's hearing capabilities. The following procedural steps outline the process:

Step 1: Preparation The patient is prepared for the test by ensuring that they are in a quiet environment. Insert-type earphones are placed securely in the patient's ears to deliver sound stimuli effectively.
Step 2: Baseline Data Collection Baseline data is collected from a normative group of individuals with normal hearing. This includes measuring air conduction thresholds in a quiet environment for each ear, which serves as a reference point for comparison.
Step 3: Bone Conduction Testing A bone oscillator, specifically designed for the SAL test, is positioned on the patient's forehead using an adjustable headband. This device allows for the assessment of bone conduction thresholds while maximum masking is applied.
Step 4: Threshold Determination The patient's air conduction thresholds are determined first in a quiet environment, followed by the assessment of air conduction thresholds with maximum masking presented through bone conduction for each ear.
Step 5: Shift Calculation The shift in decibels from air conduction thresholds in quiet to bone conduction thresholds with noise is calculated. This shift is critical for estimating the patient's bone conduction hearing threshold.
Step 6: Comparison and Reporting The calculated bone conduction hearing threshold is compared to the established baseline data. A comprehensive report is generated, including a written interpretation of the findings, which aids in determining the type and extent of the patient's hearing loss.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the SAL test, the patient may receive immediate feedback regarding their hearing assessment. The results are documented in a detailed report, which includes the interpretation of findings. Depending on the outcomes, further recommendations may be made for additional testing, treatment options, or referrals to specialists. Patients are advised to discuss the results with their healthcare provider to understand the implications of their hearing assessment and to explore potential interventions if necessary. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor any changes in hearing or to evaluate the effectiveness of any prescribed treatments.

Short Descr	SENSORINEURAL ACUITY LVL TST
Medium Descr	SENSORINEURAL ACUITY LEVEL TEST
Long Descr	Sensorineural acuity level test
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

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