deafness in dogs: how to know and what to do

Is your dog deaf? How would know if it was?
 
Like many humans, our canine companions can lose their hearing as they age. My springer/cocker mix, Mary, is now more than twelve years old, and my husband and I have noticed a change – more than one, actually. First, she barks more than she did six months or a year ago. Normally a quiet dog who barked occasionally while in the back yard (after all, we have neighbor dogs and squirrels run through the yard!), she’s started to bark while in the house (very unusual for her) and more so outdoors. Secondly, she doesn’t respond to our voices as readily as she once did. And, third, she is sleeping more deeply than ever. We suspect she is losing her hearing.
 
Signs of Deafness
According to PetMD.com, these are some of the signs of hearing loss in dogs:Unresponsive to everyday soundsUnresponsive to its nameUnresponsive to the sounds of squeaky toysNot woken by a loud noise 
Causes of Deafness
There are a myriad of issues which can cause a dog to become deaf, including the natural aging process. As mentioned, our Mary dog is going on thirteen years of age, and therefore, a senior dog. She also has several allergies and subsequently, her ears are prone to bacterial infections. Inflammation of the outer, inner, or middle ear can cause hearing loss. Here are a few other potential causes:Degenerative nerve changes in elderly dogsAntibioticsChemotherapy drugsTumors or cancer involving nerves in the ear
Some breeds of dogs are susceptible to deafness, therefore, puppies can be prone to the condition (called congenital). Such breeds include cocker spaniels (Mary is part cocker), Dalmatians, West Highland terriers, and Boston terriers, among others.
 
Having an older dog like Mary and noticing behavior changes, including sleep patterns, can also help you determine if your dog is losing its hearing. For example, if you think your dog is sleeping heavier than normal and s/he doesn’t wake up to noises in your home, or if s/he startles from deep sleep, then your canine companion may be going deaf.

How Can You Know?
DeafDogsRock.com suggests some activities to test your dog’s hearing ability.Stand behind your dog and clap your hands or jingle a set of keys. If your dog’s ears don’t move, twitch, or its head doesn’t turn towards the sound, there is a good chance your dog has probably gone deaf or at least is going deaf.Does your dog react to door bells, neighborhood dogs barking, or sirens as it did in the past? If not reacting to those noises now but used to, chances are hearing loss has occurred in your dog.   
A Word on Deaf Cats
Like certain breeds of dogs, there are certain cat breeds that are more susceptible to hearing loss; those include Ragdolls and white Persians. In fact, white cats with blue eyes are the most prone to deafness. If you are the pet guardian of a cat and you’re concerned about hearing loss, PetMD.com and PetWave.com are good resources for you: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_deafness
https://www.petwave.com/Cats/Health/Deafness.aspx
 
What to Do?
 First, consult with your veterinarian. S/he may find an ear infection that can still be treated. If that’s not the case, seek advice from your pet’s vet.
 
Second, if you haven’t taught your furry friend hand signals yet, do so. Dogs learn quickly, even older canines. As long as your dog can still see, communicating via hand signals is a major asset and provides your dog the mental stimulation it needs. Train your dog basic commands with hand signals. Keeping your deaf pet safe is of even greater importance as it will not hear cars coming or other noises. Find training tips for deaf dogs here: https://deafdogsrock.com/category/training-tips.
 
You may need to adjust how you interact with your deaf dog, but living with a canine with hearing loss is not a huge problem. Learn more about living with a deaf dog here: https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/senior-dogs/preparing-a-dog-that-is-going-blind-or-deaf
 
No matter the type of pet you have, its health and happiness depend on you. If your furry friend is or becomes deaf, take the time to help both you and your pet adjust – there are many resources on and off-line available to help you do just that.