Deafness and age-related hearing loss in dogs (presumptive) are common. While we don’t have exact figures, most experienced veterinarians will tell you the majority of dogs over 10 years of age appear to be hearing impaired as they grow older. In fact, many veterinarians say age-related deafness is one of the more common age-related changes in dogs.
The most common symptoms of hearing loss and deafness in dogs are
- reduced response to voice commands or clicker
- easily startled (especially after sleeping)
- hard to wake up
- inability to locate or track sound
- disoriented and inattentive
Small dogs with hearing loss may call out more and play more aggressively.
Hearing loss in dogs due to chronic ear infections
In dogs with chronic ear infections, head shaking, ear scratching and rubbing, ear discharge, redness, and head tilt or unsteadiness can be observed.
Chronic ear infections are probably the most common cause of hearing loss in older dogs. Many dogs develop otitis externa and otitis media (infections of the outer and middle ear) that persist, even for life, eventually causing permanent damage to the anatomical structures that enhance hearing. We speculate that this type of acquired hearing loss may be similar to age-related hearing loss in humans, with a gradual decrease in sensitivity to frequency and volume over time.
Hereditary hearing loss in dogs
Hearing loss in dogs is often an inherited condition, perhaps the cause akin to the complications of chronic ear infections. In many dogs, congenital deafness can be related to coat color (pigmentation-related deafness), specifically the dominant merle or dapple color gene. Commonly associated with color-related deafness are varieties such as:
- Collie
- Dachshund
- Great Denmark
- Shetland Sheepdog
Studies have shown that almost 5% of mixed breed dogs are deaf in one or both ears.
Australian Shepherds and other breeds have been reported to have “white coat deafness”. In fact, white on and around the ears has been linked to deafness in many breeds, although this feature is not a guarantee of hearing loss.
Other breeds reported to have higher rates of deafness include:
- Dalmatian
- Russell Terrier (commonly known as Jack Russel Terrier)
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Bull Terrier
- English settlers
Note that any dog can be born deaf, and researchers have identified at least 104 breeds of dogs with genetic deafness. There is a common myth that dogs have two different eye colors (heterochromia) have higher rates of deafness, but research shows that’s not the case.
Canine dysfunction syndrome
In any dog with symptoms consistent with hearing loss, lack of attention or motivation, lethargy, or lack of trainability (including indoor training), we should next assess the their cognitive abilities. Over the years I have been fooled by cognitive decline on various occasions, and I have learned to rule out major illnesses first and then carefully analyze the mental state of a working dog. downfall.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in dogs affects about 14% to 35% of all dogs and is most common over 9 years of age. Castrated females are more commonly diagnosed with CDS, and the condition appears to progress more rapidly in castrated males, suggesting that certain hormones may also be involved.
The clinical signs of CDS can be similar to those of hearing loss, making an accurate diagnosis more difficult, but even more important in terms of prognosis. CDS usually progresses until dogs are unable to function normally and their quality of life is severely affected, while hearing loss can be remedied with simple lifestyle and environmental changes. school.
My checklist for common CDS symptoms:
- Notice any aimless wandering, space staring or general confusion?
- Loss of ability to defecate, especially improper urination and defecation at the same time?
- Sleep and wake up at unusual times?
- Annoyed, reduced engagement or withdrawn?
- Not responding to commands or known voice cues, even if you’re sure she hears you?
- Loss of appetite?
- Excessive or abnormal pronunciation?
To definitively diagnose hearing loss in dogs, your dog should be referred to a specialist for evaluation of brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAER). This test looks for the brain’s response to a sound.
Are there hearing aids for dogs?
Although hearing aids have been developed in the past for dogs with age-related hearing loss, the reality is that none of these devices are economical or practical. Years ago, researchers tried to develop hearing aids that could be worn in their ears and fixed to their collars, but found very few dogs tolerate them well. Other researchers have tried to anchor hearing aids to the bone, but that has also been unsuccessful. Although cochlear implants are possible, there have not been any methods developed for dogs. If possible, experts estimate cochlear implants in dogs would cost about $25,000 to $35,000.
How to help a dog with hearing loss?
For dogs with hearing loss or deafness, lifestyle and environmental conditions are the best treatment. Affected dogs can be taught hand signal commands. In addition, many dogs become very sensitive to vibrations and can be trained to respond to touching the floor or other resonant objects.
Dogs with hearing loss also seem to focus on facial expressions and gestures to understand what you’re saying. Maintaining eye contact is an essential key to communication.
I’ve also had success trying different types of whistles (high and low frequencies), turning up the volume on commands (“CHEESE!”) and even reacting to flashlights. I once had a client train her dog with different light colors (red for food, green for walk, and blue for “come here”).
If you have a dog with hearing loss, follow these tips:
- Stay away from traffic or other potentially hazardous situations where the threat of harm cannot be heard.
- A fenced yard, walking on a leash, and playing with dogs and acquaintances is important to keeping them safe.
- I’m also a fan of the “medical alert” collar tag to identify your dog as deaf.
- Some dog owners put a bell on their pet’s neck to help find them when they can’t respond to “Come here! Cheese!”
