Is My Dog Deaf? 12 Signs of Hearing Loss and What You Can Do

Have you ever called your dog’s name only to be met with a blank stare? Or maybe your furry friend doesn’t react when the doorbell rings anymore? If you’re wondering “how do I know my dog is deaf,” you’re not alone Hearing loss in dogs is more common than many pet parents realize, affecting between 5-10% of dogs in the US.

As a dog owner myself I know how worrying it can be when your four-legged companion starts showing signs of health changes. The good news is that deaf dogs can live happy fulfilling lives with some adjustments to how you communicate and care for them.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Deaf

Dogs can experience partial hearing loss in one ear (unilateral) or complete deafness in both ears (bilateral). Here are the tell-tale signs that your dog might be experiencing hearing problems:

1. Not responding to their name – Even when they’re not distracted by something else
2. Ignoring verbal commands they used to follow easily
3. Sleeping through loud noises that would normally wake them
4. Startling easily when touched or approached from behind
5. Difficulty locating sounds – They might look around confused when they hear something
6. Barking excessively or in a different tone than usual
7. Not reacting to squeaky toys they used to love
8. Failing to notice when you come home or enter a room
9. Not responding to other dogs barking nearby
10. Being harder to wake up from sleep
11. Head tilting or shaking frequently
12. Changes in obedience or responsiveness to familiar cues

My neighbor’s Australian Shepherd started showing several of these signs last year His owner noticed he wasn’t coming when called unless he could see her waving. That was the first clue something might be wrong with his hearing

Simple Home Tests for Dog Deafness

Before rushing to the vet, there are some simple tests you can try at home to check your dog’s hearing:

The Noise Test

Stand behind your dog where they can’t see you and make a loud noise (like clapping, jangling keys, or whistling). Make sure the sound doesn’t create air movement your dog might feel. Watch for ear movements, head turning, or any acknowledgment of the sound.

The Sleep Test

Wait until your dog is sleeping and make a moderate noise nearby. A hearing dog will usually wake up or at least twitch their ears in response.

The Vacuum Test

If your dog used to react to the vacuum cleaner but now seems unbothered, this could indicate hearing loss.

Remember that these tests aren’t definitive – they’re just initial screenings. Some clever dogs with partial hearing loss may compensate so well that you barely notice a problem!

What Causes Deafness in Dogs?

Understanding why dogs go deaf can help you address the problem properly. Here are the main causes:

Congenital Deafness

Some dogs are born deaf due to genetic factors. This is often related to coat color, particularly in dogs with:

• White or merle coats
• Blue eyes
• Piebald patterns

Certain breeds have higher rates of congenital deafness, including:

• Dalmatians
• Australian Shepherds
• Bull Terriers
• Boston Terriers
• Jack Russell Terriers
• English Setters
• Catahoulas
• Australian Cattle Dogs

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Just like humans, dogs commonly experience hearing decline as they age. This usually starts around 8-10 years old and progresses gradually. Many senior dogs have significant hearing loss by age 12-15.

Other Causes of Acquired Deafness

• Ear infections – Chronic or untreated infections can damage the ear canal
• Trauma – Head injuries from accidents or fights
• Ototoxic medications – Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications
• Loud noise exposure – Prolonged exposure to gunfire, fireworks, or other loud sounds
• Ear canal blockages – Wax buildup, foreign objects, or tumors
• Rare complications from anesthesia – Sometimes after dental or ear procedures

Getting a Professional Diagnosis

If you suspect your dog is deaf, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They will:

1. Conduct a thorough physical examination
2. Check for ear infections, inflammation, or blockages
3. Test your dog’s responsiveness to different sounds
4. Possibly recommend advanced testing

The gold standard for diagnosing deafness in dogs is the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test. This painless test measures brainwave activity in response to sounds and can determine if hearing loss is in one or both ears. It’s available at many veterinary teaching hospitals and specialized clinics.

Can Dog Hearing Loss Be Prevented?

While some causes of deafness can’t be prevented (like genetic factors), there are steps you can take to protect your dog’s hearing:

• Regular ear cleaning – But be careful not to overclean, which can cause irritation
• Prompt treatment of ear infections – Don’t ignore head shaking or ear scratching
• Avoid ototoxic medications – Talk to your vet about alternatives if your dog is at risk
• Limit exposure to loud noises – Consider ear protection like Mutt Muffs for dogs regularly exposed to loud environments
• Support ethical breeding – Avoid breeders who breed two merle dogs together, which increases deafness risk

Living With a Deaf Dog: Practical Tips

Having a deaf dog doesn’t mean a lower quality of life! With some adjustments, deaf dogs can thrive. Here’s how to help your hearing-impaired pup:

Communication Alternatives

• Use hand signals for basic commands – many trainers recommend learning simple sign language for dogs
• Try touch-based cues – like a gentle tap on the shoulder to get attention
• Use visual markers – flashing lights can signal dinner time or outdoor breaks
• Rely on body language – exaggerated facial expressions and movements

Safety Measures

• Always keep them leashed in unsecured areas – deaf dogs can’t hear traffic or approaching dangers
• Secure your yard with proper fencing – escapes are more dangerous for deaf dogs
• Use identification tags that indicate your dog is deaf
• Consider a GPS tracker collar for added security
• Place signs at entrances to alert visitors about your deaf dog

Training and Enrichment

• Focus on positive reinforcement with treats and visual praise
• Teach a “check-in” behavior where your dog regularly looks to you for guidance
• Provide plenty of mental stimulation through puzzle toys and games
• Use vibration (not shock) collars as a way to get attention from a distance, but introduce them carefully

Daily Routine Tips

• Wake your dog gently by placing your hand in front of their nose or lightly touching a non-startling area
• Establish consistent routines so your dog knows what to expect
• Be patient during training and adjustments
• Monitor interactions with other dogs carefully, as deaf dogs may miss social cues

Do Deaf Dogs Need Special Equipment?

While specialized equipment isn’t always necessary, some tools can help:

1. “Deaf Dog” identification tags or harnesses – Alert others to your dog’s condition
2. Vibration collars – These can be used as a recall tool but must be introduced positively
3. Lights for nighttime visibility – LED collar attachments help you keep track of your dog in the dark
4. Visual signals – Flashlights or laser pointers can be used as training aids

I’m not a huge fan of vibration collars for deaf dogs, despite their popularity. Many dogs find them startling if not introduced properly. In my experience, visual cues and touch signals work just as well for most deaf dogs without potentially scaring them.

When to See Your Veterinarian

You should consult your vet if:

• You notice sudden changes in your dog’s hearing
• There are signs of ear infection (odor, discharge, head shaking)
• Your dog seems to be in pain around their ears or head
• Your dog’s behavior changes dramatically
• You need help developing a management plan for your deaf dog

Early intervention is important, especially with ear infections that could cause permanent damage if left untreated.

The Bottom Line: Deaf Dogs Can Live Happy Lives!

The most important thing to remember is that deafness doesn’t need to diminish your dog’s quality of life. Dogs rely on their sense of smell and vision much more than hearing anyway, and they’re incredibly adaptable.

With patience, creativity, and love, deaf dogs can be just as happy, healthy, and well-behaved as hearing dogs. In fact, many owners of deaf dogs report developing an even deeper bond with their pets through the process of learning new ways to communicate.

Have you discovered your dog is deaf or losing their hearing? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. What signs did you notice first, and what strategies have worked for you and your furry friend?

To test if your dog is deaf, first look for signs like a lack of response to sounds, difficulty waking up, or increased barking, then perform at-home tests such as clapping or shaking keys out of sight to see if they react. For a definitive diagnosis and to check for partial deafness or underlying causes like an ear infection, take your dog to a veterinarian to have them conduct a clinical hearing test or refer you for a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test, which measures brain wave activity in response to sound.

Breeds often predisposed to congenital deafness include Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Setters, English Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, and Parson Russell Terriers.

Dogs can go deaf at any age due to congenital conditions, ear infections, or exposure to loud noises, but age-related hearing loss, or senile deafness, typically occurs in senior dogs around 12 to 15 years old, though it can start as early as 9 years old and is a gradual process.

To test your dog’s hearing, start with at-home observation by making sounds out of their line of sight and watching for head turns or ear movements.