Everything You Need to Know About Hearing Loss in Older Dogs

While hearing loss in older dogs is not uncommon, it certainly does not mean every senior dog will go deaf or even suffer partial hearing loss.

If you do suspect your dog is having trouble hearing, don’t panic. Just keep reading.

Would you be surprised to learn dogs are euthanized simply because they can’t hear well… or at all?

So sad, especially because it does not have to detract form their quality of life or yours.

Last Updated: July 30, 2023

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What Are the Causes of Hearing Loss in Dogs?

There are many different types of hearing loss in dogs and many different causes to consider.

Your dog may be experiencing a partial or total loss (or any range in between). Their hearing loss could be temporary or permanent.

Some dogs will lose their hearing gradually, while other dog owners have to navigate sudden hearing loss in dogs.

The most common causes of hearing loss in dogs, including all forms I just mentioned, include the following:

• Heredity
• Tumors/Cancer
• Untreated ear infections
• Genetic defects
• Old age
• Exposure to heavy metals
• Blocked ear canal due to wax buildup, inner ear hair, or obstacles like grass
• Trauma/injury
• Drug toxicity
• Repeated exposure to loud noises
• Inflammation

Understanding the cause of your dog’s hearing loss is essential.

Your veterinarian will be able to assess this and use this information to recommend a treatment plan (for temporary hearing loss) or the best options for management moving forward.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Older Dogs

Do you suspect that your dog may be losing their ability to hear? Here are a few signs you can watch out for:

• Sleeping more deeply
• Doesn’t react to noises, squeaky toys, doorbells, knocking, clapping, barking the way that they used to
• They don’t know you’re in the room until they see you or you touch them
• Shakes their head a lot
• Barks a lot
• Paws at their ears
• Doesn’t respond when you give them a cue
• Startled when they wake up because they didn’t hear you approaching
• Difficulty waking them up

If you notice any of these changes in behavior, contact your veterinarian.

Diagnosing Hearing Problems in Dogs

A simple check is to stand behind your dog and jingle your keys or clap loudly.

Do their ears move? Do they turn their head? How quickly (or slowly) do they respond?

If your dog has lost hearing in both years, you won’t get a response, but what if it’s only one ear or partial hearing loss?

Try snapping your fingers close to each ear and watch for a reaction.

While doing these tests, make sure your dog can’t see you or feel vibrations, or they may react because they know or sense you’re there.

Now that you’ve determined your dog is experiencing some degree of hearing loss, your next step should be a visit to your vet.

When booking the appointment, I strongly advise you to let them know the problem and convey a sense of urgency to get yourself seen as soon as possible.

The longer it takes, the worse the situation can become, and a once-reversible condition may become permanent.

A good way to prepare for your visit would be to make as many notes as you can about:

• When you first noticed a problem
• What made you think there was something wrong
• Any changes in behavior – eating, sleeping, interest in playing, etc.
• Whatever else you can think of

During your appointment, your vet will ask you questions and that’s when your list will come in handy.

Then they’ll do a general checkup and examine your dog’s ears.

Things your vet will be looking for include – the state of the eardrum, buildup of wax, a foreign object, hair, or inflammation.

They may also take a swab or culture for testing.

There is a test called Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response procedure (BAER) which measures the brain’s response to clicks directed into each ear.

Check with your vet to determine if they offer this test and how much it costs.

Is the “dropping the keys behind the dog” test enough to determine if your dog has a hearing problem, or do you need a more definitive test?

Discuss the pros and cons with your vet, or do your own research to help you decide whether it’s beneficial.

Treatment and Prevention

There’s not a lot you can do about deafness in older dogs.

However, regular vet checks to keep your dog’s ear canals clean and free from wax and hair buildup are good, especially if you have a dog with floppy ears.

If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection or any problems with their hearing, please see the vet immediately.

DO NOT assume it’s a natural part of aging and, therefore, nothing can be done.

While a dog going deaf in old age is not uncommon, there could be underlying causes that need to be identified and addressed.

A Deaf Dog Is Still a Dog

A dog who is deaf or has some hearing loss is, first and foremost, still a dog with the same needs as any other.

How to Communicate With a Deaf Dog

The best way is by using sign language, and you can either get tips through training videos for American Sign Language or come up with your own hand signals.

Everyone living in your home and caring for your dog should learn them, including dog walkers and pet sitters, so there is always someone able to talk to your dog.

Although my dogs are not deaf, I have always paired the word with a hand signal when I taught basic obedience.

Should they ever lose their hearing, I can still ask them to do what I want them to do.

If your dog is already deaf, look out for a behavior you like and reward it. For example, if your dog happens to be sitting, use the hand signal you’ve chosen for “sit,” then give them a treat.

Repeat this each time they are sitting. It shouldn’t take them long to understand what you’re asking.

Chose another signal for come, lie down, stay, and any other commands you are teaching.

Make sure each hand signal is different, clear, and visible from a distance.

Other Means of Communication

If your dog is only partially deaf, talking louder will help. Okay, that was obvious!

If they are outside playing in the garden at night, flicking the lights on and off will get their attention.

In the house, you can use a small flashlight. But never shine it in their eyes.

To wake them up or get their attention, a stomp on the floor with a heavy shoe or boot will cause vibrations your dog will feel.

You could also stand near and lightly touch them or put a treat under their nose so they wake up to something pleasant.

Another option is to throw a very soft and light toy into their line of sight.

9 Tips for Keeping Your Deaf Dog Safe

1. Make sure they are wearing a well-fitting collar with ID tags and that they are microchipped.
2. Harnesses, collars, leashes, and dog tags are available with the words “deaf dog” on them.
3. Attaching a bell to their collar means you can hear them in the house or garden.
4. Pay closer attention to your surroundings when out walking because your dog won’t be able to hear what’s approaching – they will rely on you for that now.
5. A GPS tracker is something to consider, especially if you are taking them traveling or on days out.
6. If the dog park is too overwhelming right now, play dates with their doggie friends will keep your dog active and socializing, but in a more controlled and stress-free setting.
7. If you have a porch, blocking off the entrance and exit with a gate or lattice can prevent your dog from running off should they get out the front door.
8. If you have kids running around the house or visitors dropping by, don’t let them startle your dog. Suggest the best way to approach them.
9. A hearing dog can easily be told to “leave it” or “drop it” when they find a potentially dangerous item, but in the case of a deaf dog they have to look at you to see what you’re asking – for safety’s sake you may have to go over and physically take the item away.

Off-Leash? Yes or No

You may feel confident letting your dog off-leash in an enclosed space, but what about an unenclosed area?

That is a personal choice, and only you can make that decision.

Let’s assume you’ve taught your dog the hand signal for “come,” and they are great at listening every single time.

What happens if they are not facing you and there is an oncoming danger, such as a car they do not see?

I’m not saying not to let your dog off-leash. Just giving you something to think about.

An alternative is to use a long training leash.

While it won’t give them the same level of freedom as being off-leash, but they will have the chance to explore and wander around.

Adopting a Deaf Dog

If you’re thinking of welcoming a deaf or partially deaf dog into your heart and home, there’s only one thing I can say – Congratulations, and you’re amazing.

Okay, that was two things.

A deaf dog is a as great a family addition as one who can hear, and there’s no reason they can’t fit into a home with children as well.

The same criteria you would use for adopting a hearing dog are what you would use when adopting a deaf one.

All dogs, hearing impaired or not, need love, time, patience, training, socialization, help to build confidence, and a happy home.

Training with hand signals is different than using verbal commands, but with practice and an awareness of how you use your hands around your dog, you’ll get there.

Conclusion: Navigating Hearing Loss in Older Dogs

I know it’s difficult for you, but imagine how your dog feels!

You can understand what’s going on. They don’t and may be feeling confused, scared, or nervous.

Of course, there will be challenges while everyone acclimates to your new “normal,” but as long as you keep loving them, showing compassion and passion, you’ll all be fine.

I hope this post on hearing loss in older dogs has helped you see that life with a deaf dog can be just as wonderful as before, with a few “minor” adjustments.

Did you adopt a deaf dog, or did your dog lose their hearing? Do you know the reason? What adjustments have you made that helped?

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