How to Tell If Dog Is Losing Hearing and How to Help

Losing their hearing can be a challenging experience for dogs, and it's essential to recognize the signs to provide them with the care they need.

Dogs who are losing their hearing might not respond to their name or other familiar sounds, such as the sound of a can opener or a treat bag being opened.

A decrease in responsiveness to high-frequency sounds, like a squeaky toy or a whistle, is another common sign.

As a dog owner, you might notice that your dog is more likely to respond to low-frequency sounds, such as a deep voice or a loud knock on the door.

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Dogs with hearing loss may be startled easily. They may also be difficult to wake, which can be frustrating for owners who need to get their attention.

If you suspect your dog is losing their hearing, stay calm and don't jump to conclusions. Many signs might also mean something else, like an ear infection.

Dogs with hearing loss may have trouble responding to common noises, such as squeaky toys, clapping, snapping fingers behind their head, doorbells, and their name. They may also be less responsive to other dogs barking.

To determine if your dog's behavior is related to hearing loss, run simple hearing tests at home. Try clapping your hands, speaking commands, or making another noise while standing behind your dog's back.

Here are some common signs of hearing loss in dogs:

Dogs with hearing loss may also be inclined to bark excessively, which can be a sign of anxiety or confusion.

Dogs with hearing loss may exhibit a range of symptoms that can be concerning for pet owners. One of the most common signs is a change in obedience or attentiveness, as they may not respond to everyday sounds like the doorbell or vacuum.

A dog with significant hearing loss may appear unresponsive to its name, familiar verbal commands, or even everyday noises. They may also be difficult to rouse from sleep, be less active, or bark excessively.

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Some specific sounds that may trigger a response in a dog with normal hearing, but not in one with hearing loss, include squeaky toys, clapping, snapping fingers behind the head, doorbells, and calling their name. Other dogs barking may also be a trigger.

Dogs with hearing loss may be startled easily, and their owners may notice that they are inclined to bark excessively. They may also be difficult to wake, which can be a sign of hearing loss.

Here are some common symptoms of hearing loss in dogs:

Consistent head shaking could be a sign that your pet is losing their hearing, as they may feel like one or both of their ears are blocked with water or wax.

Causes of hearing loss in dogs can be due to age, with many dogs losing their hearing as they get older. This is a gradual process, and it may be difficult to notice.

Some dogs lose their hearing due to chronic ear infections, while others may suffer a traumatic injury to the ear or head, resulting in hearing loss.

Genetic defects can also cause congenital deafness, which is a birth defect that affects a dog's ability to hear. In most cases, congenital deafness is pigment related, and dogs with this condition often have an all-white or mostly white haircoat.

Here are some breeds that are prone to deafness related to pigment:

To diagnose hearing loss in dogs, your vet will first conduct a hearing test and physical exam to determine possible causes. During the exam, your vet will also check your dog's ears for wax or hair buildup, foreign objects, and other obstructions or injuries.

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If your dog receives low test scores, it may indicate a hearing issue. A Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test can detect electrical activity in the dog's ear, which can help determine if electrical signals are traveling from the ear to the brain.

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This non-invasive test usually takes 10–15 minutes to complete. The BAER test can provide valuable information about your dog's hearing abilities and help identify any potential issues.

Low test scores may indicate that your dog is not responding to sounds as they should, which can be a sign of hearing loss. If your dog is not responding to sounds, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and develop a plan to address it.

Here are some common signs of hearing loss in dogs:

Dogs can lose their hearing due to various reasons. Some breeds, such as Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, and Great Danes, are prone to congenital deafness, which is often related to their coat color.

Trauma or injury to the ear or head can also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Loud noises, like explosions, can be particularly damaging.

Genetic defects can lead to congenital deafness, where a pup is born deaf. This is more common in dogs with predominantly white or merle coats.

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Acquired deafness, on the other hand, occurs when a dog is born with normal hearing and loses it due to age, infection, blockage of the ear canal, or geriatric nerve degeneration.

Here are some breeds that are prone to congenital deafness:

Temporary deafness can be caused by buildup within the ear canals, including wax buildup and excess hair. This type of deafness may be reversible with treatment.

Senile deafness typically occurs at around 13 years of age and is a gradual process, with many older dogs losing their hearing but not becoming completely deaf.

If your dog is losing hearing, it's essential to adapt your training approach. Train your pet to understand touch or hand signals rather than verbal commands.

A deaf dog quickly learns to pay close attention to their surroundings, making it easy to work with their instincts when training. This means you can teach them to associate specific hand signals and body language with the behaviors you desire.

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To house train a deaf dog, create a scheduled routine and stick to it. This will also help teach them when and where meals happen.

It may be worth seeking the assistance of a professional trainer who has experience working with deaf dogs, especially if you're unsure about how to proceed. See handout “Teaching and Interacting with Your Deaf Dog” for more information.

To get a deaf dog's attention, stomp on the ground instead of calling. This will help them associate the sound with your presence.

Deaf pets are prone to getting lost, so microchipping and collars with ID tags are a good idea. Make sure to keep their tags updated with your most recent contact info, and include on the tag that your dog is deaf.

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Dogs with hearing loss require special attention and care to ensure they live a happy and safe life. You can start by replacing verbal commands with hand gestures, which can be taught using simple hand signals for each command.

To get your dog's attention without startling them, use a flashing light or a vibrating (not shocking) collar. This can be especially helpful in situations where you need to get their attention quickly, like when you're about to leave the house.

Some common hazards to watch out for in your home and yard include doors, gates, and approaching vehicles. To prevent accidents, fence in your yard and use baby gates to block off dangerous areas in the house. Always keep your dog on a leash or harness when outside.

Here are some common symptoms of hearing loss in dogs:

By being aware of these symptoms and taking steps to accommodate your dog's hearing loss, you can help them live a happy and safe life.

Living with hearing loss in dogs requires some adjustments to their daily routine and environment.

To communicate with your hearing-impaired dog, replace verbal commands with hand gestures, just like you would with a non-hearing-impaired dog. This can be done by using simple hand gestures for each command.

Using a flashing light to get your dog's attention can be helpful, especially when you need to get their attention without startling them. Vibrating collars can also work well in this situation.

It's essential to ensure your living space is safe for your hearing-impaired dog. This includes fencing in your yard and blocking off any dangerous areas in the house with baby gates.

A consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety for your dog.

If you have visitors to your home, be sure to inform them that your dog is hearing-impaired and requires special treatment to avoid startling them.

Living with a deaf dog requires some modifications to their lifestyle, but with time, they can adapt easily. Dogs who become deaf typically do not experience anxiety over their loss of hearing.

To train your deaf dog, use hand signals and visual cues to get their attention. You can use a flashlight or turn a light on or off to alert your dog, and once they've made eye contact, follow with a visual command.

Some deaf dogs may become anxious if they find their owner is suddenly gone, so inform your dog when you leave or enter the house by tapping them gently on the back.

Approach your deaf dog carefully, especially when they're sleeping, by placing your hand in front of their nose and allowing them to smell you before gently touching them on the back.

To help your dog stay safe, attach a bell to their collar so you can hear them if they become lost.

Symptoms of hearing loss in dogs can include being startled easily, being difficult to wake, and barking excessively.

Here are some common sounds that may not be audible to a dog with hearing loss:

Living with a Deaf Dog can be a bit of an adjustment, but with some simple modifications, you and your furry friend can thrive.

First, it's essential to remember that deaf dogs can't hear traffic or other dangers around them, so never let them outside on their own. Keep them on a leash or in a fenced yard when outdoors.

Training your dog using hand signals is a great way to communicate. You can use visual cues to get their attention, like flashing a light or using vibrations. Once they've made eye contact, follow with a visual command.

Some deaf dogs may become anxious if they can't find their owner, so let them know when you leave or enter the house by tapping them gently on the back. You can also use a bell on their collar so you can hear them if they get lost.

Approaching a deaf dog can be tricky, so wake them without startling them by placing your hand in front of their nose and allowing them to smell you. Then, gently touch them on their back.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when living with a deaf dog: