Severe ear infections, tumors, parasitic infections, drug toxicity, or
traumatic injury can harm the tympanum (eardrum) or the inner/middle ear, resulting in temporary or permanent deafness
.
What can cause a dog to suddenly lose hearing?
What are the causes of deafness in dogs? Deafness may be caused by a number of factors, including
congenital defects, chronic ear infections, head injuries, drug toxicity, degenerative nerve changes, old age or disease, such as a tumor or ruptured ear drum
.
What can hurt a dogs hearing?
Just as in humans,
loud noises
can harm the delicate structures of a dog’s middle and inner ear. “Most commonly, noise-induced hearing loss results from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea that vibrate in response to sound waves,” Foss said.
How do dogs act when they lose their hearing?
He might become unresponsive to sounds that used to excite him, like the squeak of his toy or the rattle of your car keys, and fail to turn to you when you call his name. You might also find that he sleeps more deeply and is not disturbed by loud noises that he would have responded to in the past.
Can dogs regain hearing?
They may mistakenly interpret their dog’s partial hearing loss as a behavioral issue, sometimes referred to as “selective hearing.” Unfortunately,
there are no standard strategies that restore hearing in dogs with ARHL
.
How do you know if your dog has hearing loss?
Your vet may also test your dog’s hearing by
stepping quietly behind your dog and clapping loudly to see if there is any response
. Certain veterinary specialists can perform the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test. This is the most reliable method for determining deafness in dogs.
Is my dog deaf or blocked ears?
Diagnosis of Hearing Loss in Dogs
If you suspect your dog is experiencing hearing loss, you can test your dog’s hearing by
clapping loudly or rattling a can of coins and noting his response
. Partial hearing loss or deafness in one ear only may be difficult to identify.
Do deaf dogs sleep more?
Some deaf dogs sleep longer and more deeply than hearing dogs
; so it’s paramount to wake your dog gently (especially new puppies).
Can hearing loss in dogs be reversed?
Some causes of deafness in dogs can be reversed; others cannot
. 1 For example, infections and injuries to the ear or brain may respond to treatment, but sometimes the damage caused is irreversible. Your veterinarian should be able to give you an idea of your dog’s prognosis.
Can deafness in dogs be cured?
While
there is no definitive cure for deafness
, your veterinarian can treat for any underlying health issues that may be causing the hearing loss, including ear infections, blocked ear canals and medication toxicity.
Can a vet test a dog’s hearing?
Can diagnostic testing assess my dogs hearing?
Yes, the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test can determine if your dog is or isn’t hearing
. This test is more commonly available through veterinary neurologists than general practice veterinarians.
How do you wake up an old deaf dog?
If your dog is sleeping and you need to awaken him, always
touch him gently in the same place
; the shoulder area may work best. You can also try putting your hand in front of his nose and letting your smell wake him up. Every time you wake him, give him a treat and some love.
Can deaf dogs hear dog whistles?
If your dog is totally deaf, do not allow him out of a fenced area unless on a leash.
Some otherwise deaf dogs can hear certain frequencies such as a shrill dog whistle
. If your dog is lucky enough to have this degree of hearing make sure you use this whistle and reward his response.
How do I wake up my deaf dog?
If you need to wake up your deaf dog, try
tugging on the edge of his blanket or placing your hand in front of his nose
. All of these can help him to gently wake on his own. When he wakes, always offer a treat so he associates being woken with a positive reward.
