6 Subtle Signs Your Dog Might Have Fleas

Many dog owners in the U.S. assume they would immediately notice a hearing problem in their pet, but dogs are remarkably adept at compensating for sensory deficits using their other highly developed senses. Deafness in dogs can be present from birth (congenital) or develop over the course of the dog's life (acquired). Congenital deafness is often genetic and associated with the gene responsible for white or piebald coloring, making white-coated and merle breeds including Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, and Bull Terriers more commonly affected.

Congenital deafness in puppies may go unnoticed until several weeks of age when the puppy's responses to sound can be more systematically assessed. Dogs with deafness in one ear (unilateral deafness) are particularly challenging to identify, as they compensate effectively with the hearing ear and appear to respond normally in many situations. The BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test is the only reliable method for definitively diagnosing deafness in dogs and can detect both unilateral and bilateral hearing loss. Many reputable breeders of at-risk breeds BAER-test puppies before sale.

Acquired deafness develops over time and is most commonly associated with aging and chronic ear infections. As dogs age, the sensory hair cells within the cochlea gradually decline, producing the canine equivalent of age-related hearing loss. Chronic otitis externa and media can damage the tympanic membrane and middle ear structures, causing permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. Deaf dogs can live full and enriching lives with appropriate adaptation of training methods, including hand signals and vibration cues, and careful management of their environment to ensure their safety without the ability to hear approaching hazards.