Acquired Deafness

Acquired deafness in dogs is a type of hearing loss that develops after birth in dogs that were previously able to hear normally. It can occur at any age and may affect one or both ears. Common causes include chronic ear infections, exposure to loud noises (such as fireworks or gunshots), old age, head injuries, or the use of certain medications that can damage the ear (ototoxic drugs).

 Ear canal blockages caused by wax, debris, or tumours can also lead to temporary or permanent deafness. In older dogs, age-related hearing loss (similar to presbycusis in humans) is quite common and usually happens gradually. Symptoms of acquired deafness include not responding to their name, sleeping through loud sounds, or becoming startled easily when approached.

 Diagnosis is made through veterinary examination and hearing tests, such as the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test. While some causes can be treated, such as infections or ear blockages, others—like nerve damage or ageing—are usually permanent. Deaf dogs can still live happy lives with proper training using visual signals, hand gestures, and vibrations. Owners should take extra care to keep them safe, especially near roads or loud environments.