Amanda Full, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Premier Veterinary Group of Chicago
CVMA Executive Board Member
Is your dog unresponsive to everyday sounds, toys or loud noises? Can they hear sounds, but seem confused and cannot determine where it’s coming from? If so, a consultation with your veterinarian is recommended to assess your dog’s hearing.
What is deafness?
Deafness is the inability to hear, due to complete or partial hearing loss. Unfortunately, it can be a common occurrence in dogs, especially the young and elderly.
What are causes of deafness?
Deafness can be congenital (occurring at birth) or acquired in nature. Congenital deafness is usually noted within a few weeks to months of age. Many breeders or owners will notice puppies seeming oblivious to sounds or playing aggressively with littermates. In fact, certain breeds are predisposed and may have a genetic (inherited) component. Deafness is especially prevalent in dogs that are white, merle or piebald in pattern with incomplete pigmentation of the skin. Dalmatians in particular have a 30% incidence of congenital deafness. Other breed examples may include Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs and English Cocker Spaniels.
Acquired deafness may occur due to a variety of reasons. However, ear infections (otitis) are the most common cause in dogs. Other causes may include toxins damaging the nerve, trauma or certain types of cancers. In addition, specific antibiotics and ear cleaners can cause toxicity secondary to a ruptured ear drum. Therefore, no medications or cleaners should be placed within the ear before consulting a veterinarian.
If your dog is getting older and gradually losing their hearing, they may suffer from an age related form of deafness called presbycusis. Presbycusis is due to a gradual thickening of the bones in the middle ear. This form of hearing loss is often noted after the dog undergoes a procedure requiring general anesthesia; however the cause and effect relationship is unknown.
What are signs of hearing loss?
Signs of hearing loss may include:
• Being easily startled when resting
• Lack of response to an auditory stimulus (squeaky toy or owner’s voice)
• Disorientation or confusion in familiar situations.
Keep in mind that when testing at home, a loud sound (dropping a book) may create vibrations. Therefore, be sure to avoid visual cues and vibration stimuli when assessing for hearing loss.
How is deafness diagnosed?
Deafness can be gradual and partial hearing loss is often difficult to detect. However, if you suspect your dog is suffering from hearing loss, assessment by a veterinarian is recommended. A physical examination including evaluation of the ear canal can be performed. A definitive diagnosis is made by performing a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. This test is often performed by a veterinary specialist (neurologist). It is a brief, painless exam that can performed in an awake dog. Ear plugs are placed within the ears and auditory clicks are heard. The test assesses the brain’s response to an auditory stimulus and can determine if the dog has partial, complete, unilateral or bilateral deafness.
How to treat and manage at home?
Unfortunately, only temporary deafness (i.e. ear infections) can be reversed. Hearing aids are in the early stages of development for dogs, but can be cost prohibitive and may not be well tolerated. However, responsible breeding can decrease the prevalence of congenital deafness in the canine population.
The best way to manage canine deafness is by providing a safe and consistent environment. Owners may keep their dog safe by using a leash near traffic, using hand gestures for visual training cues and avoiding startling the dog. Many dogs can cope with deafness well and can live a normal, happy life.