How to tell if your dog is deaf – and how to help

What is deafness in dogs? 

Dogs have exceptional hearing. Their large, mobile pinnae (external ears) channel soundwaves through the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum’s vibrations are amplified by tiny bones in the middle ear and transmitted to the cochlea in the inner ear, where specialized hair cells transform them into electrical signals. These signals travel to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing a dog to perceive and interpret the sound. 

Deafness is defined as the absence of perception of sound, or, more simply, the loss of hearing. It can range from a mild decrease in hearing to a complete inability to perceive any sounds. This condition isn’t limited to a specific species, age, or breed, and it can occur at birth or develop later in life. Before diving into the details, let’s break down the ways that your veterinarian may classify deafness. 

• Partial vs. complete: Dogs with partial deafness have a reduction in hearing but can still hear some sounds (either of a certain frequency or from an unaffected ear), while those with complete hearing loss cannot perceive any sounds at all. 

• Unilateral vs. bilateral: Deafness may affect one or both ears. 

• Congenital vs. acquired: Congenital deafness is present at birth, while acquired deafness occurs later in life due to infection, trauma, or degeneration of the cochlea. 
• Temporary vs. permanent: In some cases, a dog may regain their hearing with time and veterinary treatments, while in other cases, the condition may be progressive and permanent. 

Signs of deafness in dogs and puppies

The symptoms of deafness in dogs and puppies can vary depending on the severity and type of hearing loss. However, here are some common signs to look out for:

• Lack of response to sounds: For example, not reacting to their name being called, common household noises (doorbell, vacuum cleaner), or squeaky toys. 
• Lack of ear movement: While not always a reliable indicator, a lack of ear movement can sometimes be a sign of hearing loss, especially when combined with other symptoms.
• Increased barking or vocalization: A dog may bark more often or at unusual times, as they cannot hear themselves.
• Difficulty waking up: Deaf dogs may be harder to wake up, as they don’t hear alarms or your voice. They may also be startled more easily by sudden touch or movements. 

• Difficulty learning commands: If a puppy struggles to learn basic commands based on verbal cues, hearing loss may be a factor.
• Changes in behavior: A dog may seem more withdrawn, less attentive, or more anxious due to difficulty communicating and understanding commands.

• Selective hearing: A dog who is partially deaf may respond to some sounds but not others.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog or puppy, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Signs of deafness are usually recognized after 4 weeks of age in puppies. 

Causes of hearing loss in dogs

Congenital defects

Puppies may be born deaf for several reasons, such as if their mother is exposed to certain viral infections, toxins, or medications during pregnancy. More often though, deaf puppies inherit genes that prevent the cochlea from developing properly. This is most commonly seen in merle and white puppies of certain breeds, such as the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, Australian Heeler, Catahoula, English Cocker Spaniel, Parson Russell Terrier, and Boston Terrier. 

Acquired deafness

• Old age: Just like us, dogs can experience hearing loss as they age. With age, the eardrum becomes less flexible and the specialized cells in the cochlea may degenerate. This process generally occurs gradually and is not always obvious, but parents may notice their older dogs becoming less responsive to sounds or having difficulty hearing high-frequency noises. 

• Ear infections: Ear infections affecting the inner or middle ear may directly damage structures associated with hearing, including the cochlea. External ear infections (otitis externa) can also affect hearing as a result of inflammation, swelling, and buildup of debris in the ear canal. In many cases, this causes partial deafness and resolves after the ear infection is treated appropriately.  

• Trauma: Head injuries or trauma to the ears can cause physical damage to the eardrum, middle ear bones, or inner ear structures, resulting in hearing loss. 

• Ototoxicity: It’s always important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication prescribed for your dog. Certain medications, particularly aminoglycoside antibiotics, some chemotherapy drugs, and furosemide (used to treat heart failure), can have toxic effects on the inner ear structures resulting in hearing loss. Additionally, certain ear medications can potentially lead to hearing loss if they are used in a dog with a ruptured eardrum. 

• Noise-induced: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as gunshots or fireworks, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. 

• Tumors: Tumors growing in or around the ear or brainstem can compress nerves, obstruct the ear canal, or damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. 

• Systemic illness: In some cases, disease processes affecting other parts of the body, such as cancer or endocrine diseases like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can also predispose a dog to hearing loss. 

How is hearing loss in dogs diagnosed? 

You’ll likely have an idea that your dog is affected by hearing loss based on their behaviors. A simple way to test your dog’s hearing at home is to make a noise (clap your hands, squeak a toy, shake a bag of treats) and watch your dog’s response. Be sure that they cannot see the source of the noise! To officially diagnose a dog with deafness, however, may be much more complicated, especially in cases of unilateral hearing loss and deafness in very young puppies.

If you see your vet for concern regarding your dog’s hearing, they will begin by getting a medical history and performing a nose-to-tail physical exam. This will include using an otoscope to evaluate the ear canal and eardrum, and a basic neurological exam. Beyond this, additional testing such as bloodwork, x-rays, advanced imaging (CT or MRI), and electronic testing may be recommended in some cases.    

Treatment of deafness in dogs

Treating deafness in dogs depends largely on the underlying cause and the severity of the hearing loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for some types of deafness, particularly those that are congenital, age-related, or in which the cochlea has been damaged by trauma or toxins. Your vet will focus on treating the underlying cause of deafness when possible, and helping you implement management strategies and lifestyle changes to preserve your dog’s safety, comfort, and quality of life in other cases. 

Treating the underlying cause

Deafness associated with ear infections will usually respond to medication, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, and improve once the underlying infection has resolved (although the timeline for recovery may vary). Additionally, if deafness is due to blockage in the ear canal, for example by excessive wax, foreign objects, or a tumor, removal should help restore hearing. 

Caring for a deaf dog 

• Safety measures: As deaf dogs cannot hear traffic sounds or other potential dangers, and will not be able to hear you calling them, it is important they be kept on leash unless in a safe and contained area. Additionally, deaf dogs may be more likely to be startled by strangers, which could lead to aggression in some cases. 
• Training and communication: Teach your dog hand signals and visual cues to replace verbal commands. Use positive reinforcement techniques and reward-based training to encourage desired behaviors. Find other ways to get your dog’s attention, such as stomping your feet on the ground. 
• Assistive devices: Consider a vibrating collar for training or alerting your dog. A badge on your dog’s collar or harness can also alert others to their conditions.