Deafness in Dogs - Congenital or Acquired Hearing Loss

Deafness in Dogs - Congenital or Acquired Hearing Loss

Important note: Fidello is not a veterinarian. This page is intended to inform you and does not provide a diagnosis. If you're worried about your dog's health, or you recognise the signs described below, always contact a veterinarian.

Deafness is the partial or complete loss of hearing in a dog. It can be present from birth, but it can also develop later in life. Some dogs lose hearing in one ear while the other ear continues to function normally, which often makes it harder for an owner to notice than deafness in both ears.

What is deafness in dogs?

Hearing loss in dogs generally develops in one of two ways. With congenital deafness, the auditory nerve or inner ear is not fully developed at birth; this is often linked to pigment genes that also determine coat colour, which explains why deafness is more commonly reported in predominantly white dogs and in breeds with a merle coat pattern. Acquired deafness develops later in life and can be related to long-standing or untreated ear infections, a build-up of earwax or foreign material in the ear canal, age-related wear of the hearing organ, or exposure to certain substances that can damage hearing. Only a veterinarian can determine the exact cause in an individual dog.

Which dogs are at risk?

Congenital deafness is more commonly reported in breeds with a lot of white in their coat or with a merle pattern, such as the Dalmatian, English Bulldog, Australian Shepherd, Boxer and Jack Russell Terrier (indicative; prevalence varies by bloodline and by source). In these breeds, congenital deafness is often linked to certain pigment genes, although the exact heritability has not been equally well studied for every breed. Acquired deafness in older age can occur in virtually any breed and is reported more often as a dog gets older. Dogs with recurring ear infections, for example due to floppy ears or frequent contact with water, may have a higher risk of acquired hearing damage.

Symptoms

Early signs that may point to reduced hearing include: no longer responding to their name or familiar sounds, louder barking or whining, sleeping more deeply than before, startling when a sleeping dog is touched without having seen or smelled you approach, and reduced ability to locate the direction of sounds. With deafness in one ear, signs are often less noticeable, because the dog still responds to sound with the healthy ear.

Pay extra attention if hearing loss is accompanied by other signs, such as intense itching or pain in the ear, an unpleasant odour from the ear canal, head tilting, loss of balance, or sudden disorientation. This can indicate an underlying cause that requires veterinary care.

When to see a vet?

Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is hearing less well, especially if this has developed suddenly, if it's accompanied by pain, odour, discharge or head tilting, or if it clearly makes your dog anxious or insecure. For puppies of a breed with an increased risk of congenital deafness, it's also wise to have this checked early, so training and daily handling can be adjusted in time.

How is it diagnosed?

A veterinarian usually starts with a behavioural assessment and an otoscopic examination of the ear canal, to rule out infections, blockages or abnormalities. For an objective assessment of the hearing threshold, including in each ear separately, a BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) is used; this is the recognised standard method for diagnosing congenital and acquired deafness in dogs. Not every veterinary practice performs this test itself; referral to a specialised clinic is sometimes needed.

Treatment in broad terms

Whether deafness can be treated depends entirely on the cause, and this is assessed by the veterinarian. Hearing loss caused by, for example, an ear infection, a blockage or a foreign object in the ear canal can sometimes partially recover once the underlying cause has been addressed. Congenital deafness and deafness due to permanent damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear are usually not reversible. The treatment plan, and whether treatment is worthwhile, is always determined by a veterinarian and differs from case to case.

What you can do yourself

Depending on the degree of hearing loss, a deaf dog can usually still have a good quality of life with a few adjustments. Consider teaching hand signals alongside or instead of voice commands, using vibration (such as stomping on the floor) to get attention, and taking extra care when waking a sleeping dog. Outdoors, it's important to keep a deaf dog on a lead or only let them off lead in a securely enclosed area, since they cannot hear approaching traffic or other hazards. This does not replace supervision, but it can contribute to your dog's safety and daily wellbeing.

Prevention and responsible breeding

Congenital deafness cannot be cured, but responsible breeding can help lower the risk within a breed or bloodline. For breeds with a known increased risk, it's recommended to have puppies tested with a BAER test before they are potentially used for breeding, and to be cautious with combinations that can increase the risk of congenital deafness, such as breeding two dogs that both carry the merle gene. Acquired deafness in older age cannot always be prevented, but treating ear infections promptly and thoroughly can help limit avoidable hearing damage.

Living with a deaf dog

With the right approach, many dogs compensate well for deafness: they rely more on smell and sight and often pick up new signals surprisingly quickly. Consistency in hand signals, a stable daily routine and patience during the transition help a dog adapt. For the household and other pets, it mainly means everyone needs to be aware of the limitation, for example by never touching a sleeping dog unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions

Is a deaf dog harder to train?
Not necessarily; training is done through hand signals, touch and rewards instead of voice commands, and many dogs pick this up well.

Can deafness go away on its own?
That depends on the cause. Hearing loss caused by, for example, a temporary blockage can improve once the cause is resolved; congenital or structural deafness is usually permanent. A veterinarian can make this distinction.

How do I know if my dog is deaf in one or both ears?
This is difficult to tell with the naked eye, because a dog with one functioning ear often still seems to respond normally to sound. A BAER test at the vet can clarify this.

Conclusion

Deafness in dogs can be congenital or acquired, and the consequences and options differ greatly depending on the situation. If you suspect your dog is hearing less well, or they belong to a breed with an increased risk of congenital deafness, have this assessed by a veterinarian, so you know where you stand and, if needed, can adjust training and daily handling in time.

Final note

Final note: this article does not replace a visit to the veterinarian. Fidello does not provide diagnoses or prescribe treatments. If in doubt, in case of persistent symptoms, or acute signs, a veterinarian is always the right next step.