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It’s estimated that between 5% and 10% of dogs in the U.S. experience some degree of hearing loss. Deafness in dogs refers to a partial or complete loss of hearing in one ear (unilateral hearing loss) or both ears (bilateral hearing loss). Some dogs are born deaf because of inherited genetic conditions, while others develop hearing loss as a natural part of aging or due to disease, infection, injury, or medication effects.
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If you suspect your dog is experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and what, if any, treatments your dog needs. Early intervention can help preserve hearing and maintain quality of life.
What Causes Deafness in Dogs?
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, explains that deafness refers to the total or nearly complete loss of hearing. Hearing impairment, by contrast, describes reduced hearing ability. Deafness may be hereditary or acquired later in life.
Acquired deafness can result from a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic ear infections
- Aging
- Traumatic injuries
- Brain disorders
- Endocrine diseases
- Exposure to medications that can damage the structures of the ear.
Some dogs experience permanent hearing loss, while others may recover some hearing if the underlying cause can be successfully treated.
Hereditary Hearing Loss in Dogs
The most common type of canine deafness is hereditary deafness, meaning a dog inherits genetic mutations associated with hearing loss. In many cases, hereditary deafness is also congenital, meaning the puppy is born deaf.
One of the most common inherited forms is cochleosaccular deafness. This condition may affect one or both ears and is associated with certain coat-color genes. According to Dr. Erin Rakosky, DVM, cochleosaccular deafness is linked to specific coat colors and patterns, particularly those associated with piebald and merle genes. It’s also more commonly observed in dogs with blue eyes and significant white pigmentation.
Dog breeders or owners can often spot signs of cochleosaccular deafness when puppies are 1 to 3 weeks old. “It occurs most commonly in breeds such as the Dalmatian and Australian Shepherd but can be seen in many other breeds as well,” Dr. Whittenburg says.
Another inherited form, neuroepithelial deafness, isn’t associated with coat color patterns. This condition typically results from the loss of cochlear hair cells within the ear. It usually affects both ears and becomes apparent when puppies are between 1 and 3 weeks old.
Acquired Deafness in Dogs
Acquired deafness develops after birth and can occur at any stage of life.
Dr. Whittenburg adds that there are numerous possible causes for acquired deafness in dogs, including “severe and chronic ear infections, brain lesions — tumors and other diseases — endocrine disorders, and aging.”
Certain medications may also be toxic to the auditory system and lead to gradual hearing loss. In some cases, this hearing loss is permanent. However, Dr. Rakosky says some dogs can regain hearing over time, especially if the underlying cause is identified and addressed early.
Age-related hearing loss is particularly common in senior dogs. Hearing typically declines gradually, often beginning with difficulty hearing mid-range and high-frequency sounds before progressing to broader hearing loss.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Hearing Problem
Dogs that are born deaf in both ears are often easier to identify because their hearing loss is present from an early age. Common signs include:
- Not responding to verbal commands or their name
- Barking loudly and excessively
- Failing to react to squeaky toys or a doorbell
- Being difficult to wake when asleep
- Not acknowledging family members when they arrive home
- Not responding to other dogs barking
Puppies with hereditary deafness may not startle at sudden sounds, follow the source of a noise, or react as other puppies do.
“For older dogs, you may notice their hearing is getting less sensitive over time,” says Dr. Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS. “So, they may respond to loud noises but not quieter or more subtle ones.”
Unilateral deafness can be more difficult to detect because the dog still hears through one ear. These dogs may have trouble locating the source of sounds and often orient themselves so their hearing ear faces the sound.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Deafness
If you suspect your dog might have hearing loss, you can perform a simple at-home check by making a noise when your dog cannot see you. Dr. Simon recommends shaking your keys or making a beeping noise from behind your dog.
“If they prick their ears or look towards the noise, we know they can hear,” she adds.
While this can provide a general sense of hearing ability, it isn’t a definitive test. A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and assess your dog’s hearing response using sounds of varying pitches and volumes.
“The veterinarian will conduct testing during the exam to gauge the dog’s ability to hear,” Dr. Whittenburg says.
She adds, “However, this is a crude and somewhat unreliable test, so if there is a need to more accurately assess your dog’s hearing, your veterinarian will likely refer you to a specialist that can conduct brainstem auditory evoked response — BAER — testing.”
Veterinarians consider BAER testing the gold standard for diagnosing deafness in dogs. During the procedure, a veterinarian or veterinary neurologist will place small electrodes on the dog’s head while sounds are delivered through earpieces. The test measures electrical activity in the auditory pathways and evaluates each ear separately to determine hearing function.
Treatment and Prevention Options
Unfortunately, treatment options for deafness are limited, particularly when hearing loss is hereditary or age-related.
Many breed clubs recommend or require BAER testing for breeding dogs and puppies. Responsible breeders may test breeding stock and puppies or avoid breeding dogs affected by hereditary deafness. “Susceptible litters can be checked at about 6 weeks of age,” Dr. Simon notes.
Breeders may also avoid merle-to-merle breedings, which can produce a double-merle puppies that face an increased risk of several health conditions, including deafness.
Prevention efforts focus on reducing exposure to factors that may damage hearing. These include loud noises (like music or gunfire), heavy metals (like or mercury or lead), and ototoxic drugs — medications that can damage the ear or auditory nerve. Examples of ototoxic drugs include certain antibiotics, antimalarials, and chemotherapy medications, and they can often lead to irreversible hearing loss.
When hearing loss results from another medical condition, prompt treatment can be critical. “If deafness is caused by another health condition, such as ear infections or endocrine diseases, the issue should be promptly treated and controlled in order to avoid permanent hearing loss,” Dr. Whittenburg says.
Typically, this involves cleaning out the dog’s ear using a medicated cleanser or wipes and administering prescription ear drops. With severe infections, the vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. “Once successfully treated, hearing may return,” she says. However, Dr. Whittenburg adds that “most dogs that are deaf will remain that way.”
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are available for some dogs but remain uncommon. According to Dr. Simon, “Hearing aids aren’t going to work for all dogs, and they are very costly.”
Helping a Deaf Dog Live a Full Life
Most deaf dogs adapt remarkably well and can enjoy an excellent quality of life. They’re often highly trainable and can even participate in certain dog sports.
Dr. Rakosky notes that success depends largely on owner commitment. Owners may need to modify training methods and develop new ways to communicate with their dog. For example, visual signals and hand gestures can effectively replace verbal commands. You should also take extra care when waking a sleeping dog to avoid startling them.
Outdoor safety is especially important because deaf dogs cannot hear approaching dangers such as vehicles. Keep dogs with hearing loss on a leash when outdoors, or keep them in securely fenced areas. Identification tags and microchips can provide added protection if a dog becomes lost.
Dogs born deaf generally adjust well because they never experienced hearing differently. Acquired hearing loss can require an adjustment period, but many dogs continue to thrive with proper support.
“Dogs who are deaf do not have to experience a worse quality of life,” she adds.
Key Takeaways
- Deafness in dogs can be hereditary, age-related, or caused by infections, disease, injuries, or medication side effects.
- Puppies with inherited deafness often show signs within the first few weeks of life, while acquired hearing loss may develop gradually.
- BAER testing is considered the most accurate method for diagnosing deafness in dogs.
- Some forms of hearing loss may improve if the underlying cause is treated early, but hereditary and age-related deafness are usually permanent.
- Most deaf dogs adapt well and can enjoy a full, active life with proper training, communication, and safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I tell if my dog is losing their hearing?
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Common signs include not responding to their name, ignoring familiar sounds, sleeping more deeply, failing to react to doorbells or squeaky toys, and responding only to louder noises.
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Can deafness in dogs be cured?
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It depends on the cause. Hearing loss caused by infections or some medical conditions may improve with treatment. Hereditary and age-related deafness are typically permanent.
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What dog breeds are more likely to be born deaf?
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Hereditary deafness is seen more frequently in breeds such as Dalmatians and Australian Shepherds, particularly dogs with coat-color patterns associated with piebald or merle genes.
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What is BAER testing in dogs?
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BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing measures electrical activity within the auditory pathways in response to sound. It is considered the most accurate way to diagnose hearing loss in dogs.
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Can deaf dogs live normal lives?
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Yes. Most deaf dogs adapt extremely well. With visual communication methods, training modifications, and appropriate safety precautions, they can enjoy excellent quality of life.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.