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Official Description

Conditioning play audiometry

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Conditioning play audiometry is a specialized auditory assessment technique designed primarily for younger children who may not be able to participate in traditional hearing tests. This method incorporates a play-oriented activity that engages the child, making the testing process more interactive and less intimidating. Initially, the child is conditioned to associate a specific action, such as moving an object or performing a simple task, with the perception of sound. This conditioning phase is crucial as it establishes a clear response mechanism for the child. Once the child demonstrates the ability to respond consistently to sound stimuli through the designated play activity, the actual hearing test commences. During the procedure, earphones are utilized to deliver sound stimuli directly to each ear, allowing for a thorough assessment of hearing capabilities in both ears separately. The testing begins at a sound volume that is easily audible to the child, ensuring that they can hear the stimuli without difficulty. As the test progresses, the intensity of the sound stimuli is gradually decreased, challenging the child's ability to respond to softer sounds. The audiologist meticulously records the child's responses for each ear, compiling the data into a comprehensive written report that outlines the findings of the audiometric evaluation. This structured approach not only aids in accurately assessing hearing ability but also helps in identifying any potential hearing impairments in young children.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for performing conditioning play audiometry typically include the following:

  • Hearing Assessment in Young Children This procedure is specifically indicated for assessing hearing in children who are too young to participate in standard audiometric testing methods.
  • Suspected Hearing Loss Conditioning play audiometry is utilized when there is a concern regarding potential hearing loss, allowing for early detection and intervention.
  • Developmental Delays Children with developmental delays may require this testing method to evaluate their auditory capabilities in a manner that accommodates their developmental level.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conditioning play audiometry involves several key steps that ensure an effective assessment of the child's hearing abilities:

  • Step 1: Conditioning the Child The first step involves conditioning the child to respond to sound stimuli through a play activity. The audiologist introduces a simple task, such as moving a toy or placing an object in a container, that the child can perform when they hear a sound. This conditioning phase is essential for establishing a clear and consistent response to auditory stimuli.
  • Step 2: Testing Initiation Once the child demonstrates the ability to respond to the sound by performing the conditioned play activity, the audiologist initiates the testing phase. The child is fitted with earphones to ensure that sound stimuli are delivered directly to each ear, allowing for individual assessment.
  • Step 3: Sound Stimulus Presentation The audiologist begins presenting sound stimuli at a volume that is easily audible to the child. This initial volume is set to ensure that the child can hear the sounds without difficulty, facilitating accurate responses.
  • Step 4: Decreasing Intensity After the child successfully responds to the initial sound stimuli, the audiologist gradually decreases the intensity of the sounds presented. This step is crucial for determining the softest sounds the child can hear and respond to, thereby assessing their hearing threshold.
  • Step 5: Recording Responses Throughout the testing process, the audiologist meticulously records the child's responses for each ear. This documentation is vital for analyzing the child's hearing capabilities and identifying any potential hearing impairments.
  • Step 6: Reporting Findings After completing the testing, the audiologist compiles the recorded responses into a comprehensive written report. This report outlines the findings of the audiometric evaluation, providing valuable information for further assessment or intervention if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following conditioning play audiometry typically involves reviewing the findings with the child's caregivers. The audiologist will discuss the results of the hearing assessment, including any identified hearing thresholds and potential areas of concern. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist may recommend further evaluation or intervention strategies, such as hearing aids or additional audiological assessments. It is also important for caregivers to monitor the child's auditory responses in everyday situations and report any concerns to healthcare professionals. Overall, the post-procedure phase is crucial for ensuring that the child receives appropriate follow-up care based on the audiometric findings.

Short Descr CONDITIONING PLAY AUDIOMETRY
Medium Descr CONDITIONING PLAY AUDIOMETRY
Long Descr Conditioning play audiometry
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
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).
32 Mandated services: services related to mandated consultation and/or related services (eg, third party payer, governmental, legislative or regulatory requirement) may be identified by adding modifier 32 to the basic procedure.
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
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