Early Signs of Deafness in Pets

Pets are masters of adaptation — for this reason, deafness isn’t always immediately obvious to pet parents. 

If your dog or cat seems a bit out of sorts or unaware of their surroundings, a hearing impairment may be to blame. Recognizing the signs of deafness can help you get your pet the interventions and accommodations they need to keep living a full life, even if they experience the world a little differently. 

Signs Your Pet May Be Losing Their Hearing

Whether they are congenital or age-related, hearing impairments can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. 

Here are a few indicators that they may have partial or total hearing loss: 

Lack of Response

If your dog or cat isn’t responding to the sound of their name (yes, cats do know their names), stubbornness may not be the reason. 

Pay attention to whether sounds that typically rouse pets, like the doorbell, can opener, or vacuum cleaner, produce a response. If your companion remains unfazed, it’s a strong indication that they are experiencing hearing loss. 

Startling Easily

Typically-abled cats and dogs have a sense of hearing far superior to humans’. If you reach for a head scratch and your pet responds as though you came out of nowhere, their hearing may be on the decline. 

Behavioral Changes

Pets who have lost their hearing may compensate by becoming clingy or hypervigilant. Deafness can also lead to increased vocalizations in both cats and dogs. 

Head Shaking and Tilting

Hearing loss can sometimes be the result of recurring ear infections. Pets who are frequently seen shaking their heads or pawing at their ears may be experiencing inner ear discomfort. 

What Causes Deafness in Pets

Like their human counterparts, senior pets may have progressive, age-related hearing loss. However, age isn’t the only factor that can contribute to deafness. Other possible causes include:

• Genetic factors. Some pets are born deaf in one or both ears. Congenital deafness is more common in certain breeds, like Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, and white cats with blue eyes. 

• Chronic ear infections. Untreated infections can damage the ear canal and lead to permanent hearing loss.

• Injury or trauma: Head injuries or exposure to loud noises can contribute to deafness.

If your pet is showing signs of ear pain, like pawing, scratching, or rubbing ears against the floor or furniture, schedule a veterinary examination as soon as possible. A quick intervention could save their hearing. 

Even in cases where hearing loss can’t be prevented, your vet can confirm the extent of the deafness and help recommend helpful interventions. 

How to Support a Hearing-Impaired Pet

If your vet diagnoses hearing loss, there are many ways you can help your pet live a full, happy life at any age. 

Training with Hand Signals

Hearing-impaired pets need visual rather than auditory cues. Substitute commands like sit, stay, and lie down with hand signals, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement along the way. 

Create a Sense of Safety

Pets who feel constantly startled will naturally become anxious. Approach deaf pets from the front, or make your footsteps heavier to produce vibrations that let them know you’re nearby. 

Understand that deafness will make your pet less aware of environmental dangers like cars and predators, so use extra caution outdoors. 

Rely on Routine 

Cats and dogs with sensory limitations rely on predictability and may need more support adjusting to changes. Do your best to offer a consistent daily schedule, and offer deaf pets a comfortable place in your home to hide out if they are feeling overwhelmed by guests or activity. 

Deafness doesn’t have to mean a diminished quality of life for pets. With a few adjustments and lots of love, hearing-impaired dogs and cats can thrive, play, and enjoy their time with their families.