Most often it is difficult for pet owners to detect deafness or hearing loss in their pets. Usually, the first indication of the deafness problem is when pets do not respond to commands or to sudden and loud noises.
In dogs the process is usually very gradual and since dogs have very sharp senses they try to compensate their deafness with other senses. This is why most pet owners are unable to notice their pet’s hearing loss until they are almost completely deaf.
Dog symptoms of deafness are more obvious than cats. Dogs that are starting to lose their hearing may seem confused or uncertain about commands or they may even stop responding to commands. Other symptoms include responding to commands only when they can see you, sleeping for longer periods than usual and waking only when you touch them, shaking their head often and/or pawing at their ears and taking the wrong direction when you call or give a command to them.
Deafness in dogs and cats can be either conductive or sensorineural. The conductive type occurs when sound waves are obstructed due to abnormalities in the external ear, ear canal, eardrum and the middle ear. Other causes of conduction deafness are excessive accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal or tympanic membrane and severe infection in the ear. Most often, pets suffering from this type only have partial hearing loss and the problem can be resolved either by medical or surgical procedures.
Sensorineural deafness on the other hand involves the inner ear and most often the deafness is total. This type of hearing loss is caused by nerve abnormalities in the inner ear or the brain itself.
Heredity can also cause deafness in many breeds. Some of the most common breeds affected are Dalmatians, Boston terriers, border collies and English setters. Cats that inherit blue iris and white coat color genes and dogs that have merle coat color are more prone to deafness. Deafness can occur in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).
It is very difficult to detect unilateral deafness and partial deafness in dogs and cats without the aid of specialized equipment. Usually, their response to sound is the only criterion to confirm deafness. If you suspect that your pets might have hearing problems then they should undergo a thorough ear and neurologic examination.
Diagnosis is also possible through an electro-diagnostic procedure called BAER Test (Brainstorm Auditory Evoked Response Test). BAER Test uses electrodes to measure the neuro-electrical activities related to hearing in the brain.
The results of the diagnostic tests will determine the type of treatment to be given. Conduction deafness can be resolved by cleaning the wax very carefully and only by well-trained and experienced people. Antibiotics might be prescribed to treat infection. Sensorineural deafness can be treated with medications or surgery. Hearing aids can also be used but most dogs and cats cannot stand the presence of the equipment inside their ear canal.
Dedicated home care is also very important to treat your pet’s deafness. Any prescribed medications should be given as directed by your veterinarian. Dealing with deafness in pets can be challenging but with patience and persistence you can train your beloved pet to learn the skills needed for its safety.
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