What You Should Know About Hearing Loss In Dogs

It is not uncommon for dogs to suffer deafness and age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). Although we don't have specific numbers, most vets will tell you that dogs over 10 years seem to have some hearing impairment as they age.

Common symptoms of hearing loss and deafness in dogs include:

• decreased response to voice or clicker commands
• inability to detect or track noises
• trouble waking up
• disorientation and inattention

The common cause of hearing loss in elderly dogs is chronic ear infections. Many dogs suffer recurrent or lifetime otitis externa and media (outer and middle ear infections), resulting in irreparable harm to the anatomical components of hearing.

Canine hearing loss could also be an inherited condition. Pigment-associated deafness or congenital deafness in many dogs may be linked to dominant merle or dapple color genes. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Collies, and Great Danes are often associated with this condition.

To ascertain whether a dog is suffering from hearing loss, they need to undergo a brainstem auditory evoked potentials evaluation. The examination measures the brain's reaction to sound.

The best treatment for dogs that are deaf or have hearing loss is modifications to their surroundings and way of life. Affected dogs can learn orders through hand signals. Many dogs also develop heightened vibration sensitivity, and they may be trained to react to tapping on resonant surfaces like the floor.