Does your dog seem like they're ignoring you? While it's possible (I know mine does sometimes), it could be that they just can't hear you very well, or at all.
Dogs can experience partial or complete hearing loss in one or both ears. This may be temporary or permanent, and it can happen at any age. Deafness is not just a senior dog problem!
Hearing begins to decline as our furry companions age, with many dogs experiencing significant hearing loss by the age of 12 to 15. But deafness in dogs can be caused by other factors earlier in life.
The good news is that many deaf dogs can thrive despite losing their hearing. There are plenty of ways to support them, and we're here to help support you through this process.
Table of Contents
What Causes Hearing Loss in Dogs?
Hearing loss in dogs has many causes. The good news is that depending on the cause, it may be treatable. Or it may be simply a part of aging. Identifying the type of hearing loss can help you better care for your dog.
Hearing loss can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later in life). It may be partial, in just one ear or a limited frequency range, or complete.
Congenital Deafness in Dogs
Congenital hearing loss is typically inherited and often related to pigmentation, particularly in dogs with all-white, mostly white, or merle coats. In some cases, congenital deafness may also result from prenatal exposure to infections, toxins, or certain medications. This form of deafness is typically irreversible.
Common breeds with inherited deafness include:
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Australian Shepherds
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Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers)
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Boston Terriers
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Bull Terriers
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Catahoulas
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Dalmatians
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English Cocker Spaniels
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English Setters
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Great Danes
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Jack Russell Terriers
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Parson Russell Terriers
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Welsh Corgis
This list continues to grow and change as more research is done. Responsible breeding practices and genetic testing are important to reduce the incidence of inherited deafness, which is why it's so important to choose a reputable breeder when bringing a puppy home.
Acquired Hearing Loss
Acquired deafness develops after birth and can occur at any age, although it’s most common in senior dogs.
Causes of deafness in dogs include:
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Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): This is the most common form of acquired deafness. It tends to progress gradually, usually starting around 8 to 10 years of age, with high frequencies lost first. The rate and degree of hearing loss vary with each dog.
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Ear infections: Chronic or untreated ear infections (otitis externa, media, or interna) can damage the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear bones, or inner ear nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Often, dog owners aren't even aware their dog has an ear infection, which is why it's important to know the signs of an infected ear.
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Trauma: Head or ear injuries from falls, fights, or accidents can damage auditory structures and cause sudden hearing loss.
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Ototoxicity: Certain medications or chemicals can damage the inner ear. These include: antibiotics (aminoglycosides), chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin), furosemide, salicylates, or tetracycline, local anesthetics, detergents, and stabilizers (propylene glycol, glycerol, or phenols).
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Loud noise exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to loud sounds, such as fireworks or gunfire, can temporarily or permanently damage the hair cells of the inner ear.
If your dog is regularly exposed to loud noise, consider training them to wear ear protection, such as Mutt Muffs. These are popular with small aircraft pilots who bring their dog with them on flights, or service dog handlers who attend loud events like concerts or car races. -
Obstructions: Wax buildup, debris, tumors, or polyps can block the ear canal and reduce or eliminate hearing (temporarily or permanently).
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Anesthesia: Rarely, dogs may develop deafness following anesthesia, particularly after dental or ear procedures. The cause isn’t known.
Signs Your Dog May Be Going Deaf
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms that your dog has hearing loss:
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Not responding to their name or familiar training cues
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Startling easily when touched or approached
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Barking excessively or different tone of barking
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Trouble locating sources of sound
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Sleeping through noises
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Changes in obedience or responsiveness
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Head shaking, tilting, or ear scratching
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Lack of ear movement when alerted to sound or during communication
- Confusion
For a definitive diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test. This simple test measures brainwave activity in response to sounds and is available at many veterinary teaching hospitals.
Here's a list of BAER dog hearing test sites. The test involves earplugs being placed in your dog's ears and small electrodes placed on their head. Then the brain waves are measured in response to noise.
If a BAER test is not an easy option for you and your dog, your veterinarian may do simple hearing tests in their clinic. This might include making a noise behind or to the side of your dog and watching for any indication they heard it (such as an ear flick, orientation, or any startled movement).
Can Hearing Loss in Dogs Be Prevented?
Some causes of hearing loss can be prevented or minimized:
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Practice regular and safe ear care. Knowing when and how to clean your dog's ears (as well as when not to!) is important. Overcleaning your dog’s ears, using the wrong type of ear cleaner, or cleaning your dog’s ears when they have a ruptured eardrum can cause issues that can lead to hearing loss.
Consult with your veterinarian on the do’s and don’ts of ear cleaning. If your dog has environmental and/or food allergies/intolerances, it is important to work closely with your vet to manage these conditions as they can cause chronic ear infections.
Here are some helpful articles to check out as well:
How to Clean Pet Ears to Avoid Ear Infections
When NOT to Clean Your Dog's or Cat’s Ears -
Treat ear infections promptly. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage. Signs of infection include head tilting or shaking, scratching, ear discharge, odor, avoiding being touched on the ears, and pain, whining, or aggressive behavior when touched on the head/ear.
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Avoid ototoxic drugs. Never use ear medications unless prescribed by your veterinarian, especially if your dog has a history of ear issues.
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Limit noise exposure. Dogs are much more sensitive to sound than we are. The average environmental sound level for dogs, according to research, should be at a minimum 20 decibels (dB) lower than that recommended for humans. That means the sound levels that dogs are exposed to should be about 45 dB to 55 dB. You can see why gunfire (which can exceed 140 decibels) and fireworks (ranging from 150 to 175 decibels) can easily cause deafness in dogs.
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Support ethical breeding. If getting a puppy from a breeder, ask about genetic testing and family history of deafness, especially in breeds at higher risk. At all costs, avoid breeders who breed two merles together, as this is known to produce a litter at high risk of being double merle, which is accompanied by severe health issues such as deafness and blindness.
Tips for Living with a Deaf Dog
Hearing loss in dogs can present some challenges for both your dog and you. Dogs are incredibly adaptable, and with proper care, some understanding, and patience, you and your dog can live a fulfilling life together.
Here are some practical tips for improving communication, safety, and enrichment:
Communication
- Use hand signals consistently for basic cues — here's a video of a few of the most common ones:
- Teach touch-based cues (such as lightly touching their shoulder to ask them to look at you)
- Use flashing lights as signals (such as a recall to come back inside from the yard at nighttime)
- Use positive reinforcement, such as treats, toys, or praise, to support the behaviors you want them to do
Do Deaf Dogs Need Vibration Collars?
Many people assume that vibration collars are a must for deaf dogs, but in most cases, they’re not necessary. These collars don’t use shock, but they do deliver a remote-controlled vibration that can startle or confuse a dog, especially if they haven't been carefully conditioned to it. They can quickly become aversive to your dog.
And while they’re often marketed as a helpful communication tool for deaf dogs, there are plenty of other ways to connect with your dog.
Here’s why you might want to skip the vibration collar:
- It’s not the only way to get your dog’s attention. Deaf dogs are incredibly perceptive. You can teach them to respond to visual cues like hand signals, flashing lights, or even ground vibrations (like gently stomping your foot). These methods are natural, easy to teach, and often less startling than an unexpected buzz on a dog's very sensitive neck.
- It can disrupt trust if not introduced correctly. If a dog isn’t given the chance to associate the vibration with something positive and at their pace, it can feel unpredictable or uncomfortable. This can damage your bond and cause emotional distress, especially if your dog is already wary or easily startled due to their hearing loss.
- You can build strong engagement without it. Deaf dogs are capable of learning all kinds of cues through positive reinforcement. Teaching your dog to check in visually and rewarding that behavior consistently builds a communication system based on choice and trust, not external tools.
- It may seem like a shortcut, but it’s not always effective. Tools like vibration collars can give the illusion of faster results, but they often require just as much training to use successfully. Without a clear, careful introduction, they can cause more confusion than clarity.
If you're considering a vibration collar, it's best to consult with a trainer experienced in deaf dog behavior who uses force-free, positive methods. But for most dogs and their people, simple, consistent training techniques go a long way — no collar needed.
Safety
- Keep your dog on leash or in secure, fenced areas at all times – deaf dogs cannot hear approaching dangers
- Let others know your dog is deaf with a harness vest, leash sleeve sign, or collar tag
- Always be sure doors, windows, and gates are closed and locked to prevent your dog from escaping
- Monitor your dog closely during social interactions with other dogs to avoid any conflict – deaf dogs cannot hear social signals like growls or yelps
- Consider using a GPS tracker collar, such as the Fi Collar
- Place a sign at the entrances of your home to alert visitors and first responders that you have a deaf dog
Quality of Life
- Stick to predictable routines
- Offer a variety of mental enrichment activities and tactile toys — here are some ideas to get your started
- Train and reinforce visual engagement so your dog doesn't feel isolated
- Use calming touch to reduce startle responses
When to See Your Veterinarian
- As soon as you suspect your dog has an ear infection or is showing signs of hearing loss, seek veterinary care. Early evaluation is key to rule out treatable causes (like infections or obstructions)
- If your puppy struggles learning commands or has a change in behavior, or your older dog isn’t responding and behaving normally, be sure to have them receive a full physical examination by their veterinarian and possibly receive Audiometric testing (BAER -if available)
If you suspect your dog’s hearing loss is related to current medications, either orally or those used for their ears, discuss your concerns with your veterinarian to determine if adjustments are needed.
Living Fully Without Sound
Life is full of challenges, and having a deaf dog is just one of them. But caring for and helping them is one challenge that is well worth it. Deaf dogs can live joyful, safe, and loving lives with a few adjustments.
With your patience, love, and partnership with a vet and dog trainer experienced in helping deaf dogs, your dog can continue to learn, play, and thrive.
