In simple words: This code covers providing a special type of hearing aid that helps people with hearing loss in both ears, but more in one than the other. It has two microphones to amplify sound better for the worse ear, while still helping the better ear. The hearing aid fits behind the ear.

This HCPCS code, V5221, represents the provision of a binaural (both ears), behind-the-ear/behind-the-canal (BTE/BTC) contralateral hearing aid system.This system is typically used for patients experiencing hearing loss in one ear and some degree of hearing loss in the other. The device utilizes two microphones; one positioned near the ear with better hearing and the other near the ear with greater hearing loss.BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear, housed in a hard plastic case containing the electronic components.In a contralateral binaural system, sound is amplified for the ear with more significant hearing loss, while the ear with less severe loss also receives some amplification. Hearing loss may be congenital or result from inner ear malformations, infections, trauma, or acoustic neuroma.

Example 1: A 60-year-old patient presents with significant hearing loss in their left ear and mild hearing loss in their right ear. A binaural BTE/BTE contralateral hearing aid system (V5221) is prescribed and dispensed., A 35-year-old patient with sensorineural hearing loss in their left ear and conductive hearing loss in their right ear receives a binaural BTE/BTE contralateral hearing aid system (V5221) to improve their hearing in both ears. , A 72-year-old patient experiencing age-related hearing loss, with greater loss in their right ear and mild loss in their left, receives a binaural BTE/BTE contralateral hearing aid (V5221) fitted by an audiologist.

* Detailed patient history including audiometric testing results.* Documentation of the hearing aid fitting process, including device specifications (manufacturer, model, and serial number).* Patient education materials used during the fitting.* Confirmation that the patient understands the device's function and maintenance.* Appropriate referral documentation if needed.

** This code is specifically for binaural BTE/BTE contralateral hearing aids.Other codes exist for different configurations of hearing aids and contralateral routing devices.