Types of Deafness

There are two types of deafness – acquired and congenital. Congenital deafness occurs due to a defective gene that results in a malformation or nonfunctional ear. In Susan Cope Becker’s book, Living With A Deaf Dog, 64 dog breeds with reported congenital deafness are listed. Some of these breeds are more susceptible to deafness than others. Congenital deafness in dogs is permanent.

Acquired deafness occurs for any number of reasons. Some causes of hearing loss include: Excessive amounts of wax, dirt, hair or other material plugging the ear canal; inflammation or swelling of the ear canal; infections of the middle or internal ear; a torn or ruptured ear drum; loud noise; head trauma; ear mites; certain drugs; old age.

Signs To Look For

There are a number of signs that may indicate your dog is deaf, is suffering some form of hearing loss or is experiencing ear problems that may lead to hearing loss. These include: Inattentiveness or a change in obedience; confusion when given familiar vocal sounds; excessive barking; unresponsiveness to sounds; being difficult to wake up; head shaking; head tilts toward the side of the affected ear; itchy and/or painful ears; change in personality; a smelly discharge from the ear.

Testing For Deafness

If you suspect that your dog may be deaf or suffering some degree of hearing loss there are some simple tests that you can do. One test involves sneaking up behind your dog and clapping your hands or snapping your fingers and observing any reactions. Do this from a distance so your dog doesn’t detect your actions or scent or feel any vibrations. If you suspect that your dog is suffering some degree of hearing loss, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Some causes of hearing loss are treatable. As well, there are other veterinary specialists (i.e. neurologists) who are able to confirm deafness.

One test that evaluates deafness through the use of computers is the BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) procedure. By using electrodes placed under the skin of a dog’s scalp and which are connected to a computer, the brainstem auditory response can be measured. There are five BAER testing sites in Canada listed in Susan Cope Becker’s book.

Keeping Your Deaf Dog Safe

There are many things that you can do to keep your deaf or hearing-impaired dog safe. Deaf dogs should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in yard while outdoors. Children should also be taught how to interact with, and behave around, deaf dogs.

Learning how to communicate with, and train, your dog using hand signals is important. Whether you use your own signals, standard obedience signs, American Sign Language or a combination of these, it is important that you, and others, who communicate with your dog, are consistent with the signs you use. As well, it is a good idea to use signs that only use one hand and are easily detected by your dog from a distance.

In her book, Susan Cope Becker has included two informative chapters (“How To Communicate With Your Deaf Dog” and “Deaf Dog Traits, Training and Safety Tips”) which will help guardians of deaf dogs train, communicate with, and help keep their hearing impaired canines safe. There is also considerable information available on the Internet.

Types of Deafness

There are two types of deafness – acquired and congenital. Congenital deafness occurs due to a defective gene that results in a malformation or nonfunctional ear. In Susan Cope Becker’s book, Living With A Deaf Dog, 64 dog breeds with reported congenital deafness are listed. Some of these breeds are more susceptible to deafness than others. Congenital deafness in dogs is permanent.

Congenital deafness is not an uncommon problem for purebred dogs. Dalmations  Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Collies , Bull Terriers and Shelties are just a few of the breeds that are known for this condition. While truly responsible breeders take every precaution to insure the creation of healthy dogs, the majority of pet dogs do not come from responsible breeders. Many millions of dogs are born as the result of casual “back yard” breedings and puppy mills . For the person seeking to buy or adopt a pet, failing to check for deafness can cause unexpected hardships and may ultimately end the relationship.

Acquired deafness occurs for any number of reasons. Some causes of hearing loss include: Excessive amounts of wax, dirt, hair or other material plugging the ear canal; inflammation or swelling of the ear canal; infections of the middle or internal ear; a torn or ruptured ear drum; loud noise; head trauma; ear mites; certain drugs; old age.

Signs To Look For

There are a number of signs that may indicate your dog is deaf, is suffering some form of hearing loss or is experiencing ear problems that may lead to hearing loss. These include: Inattentiveness or a change in obedience; confusion when given familiar vocal sounds; excessive barking; unresponsiveness to sounds; being difficult to wake up; head shaking; head tilts toward the side of the affected ear; itchy and/or painful ears; change in personality; a smelly discharge from the ear.

Testing For Deafness

At about the 14th day, the pup’s ears open up and the animal can start to perceive sounds. While normal pups become adept at identifying sounds, a deaf animal will rely on its eyes and nose to make up for its inability to hear. Using primarily visual cues, the deaf puppy may appear to be reacting to sounds exactly like its litter mates. When a human calls the puppies, the deaf one merely watches and follows the others. It will be assumed that the deaf pup “heard” the call.

Dropping a large book may convince you that your dog actually “heard” a sound. In reality, he may have felt the vibration of the floor, through the pads of his feet. Banging pots and pans together may also prove futile. A puppy that has spent its life devoid of sound often learns to constantly scan for visual cues. If the puppy perceives a subtle change in ambient light, shadows or peripheral movement, as you bang a pot, it may still beat the loud noise test.

If you suspect that your dog may be deaf or suffering some degree of hearing loss there are some simple tests that you can do. One test involves sneaking up behind your dog and clapping your hands or snapping your fingers and observing any reactions. Do this from a distance so your dog doesn’t detect your actions or scent or feel any vibrations. If you suspect that your dog is suffering some degree of hearing loss, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Some causes of hearing loss are treatable. As well, there are other veterinary specialists (i.e. neurologists) who are able to confirm deafness.

One test that evaluates deafness through the use of computers is the BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) procedure. By using electrodes placed under the skin of a dog’s scalp and which are connected to a computer, the brainstem auditory response can be measured. There are five BAER testing sites in Canada listed in Susan Cope Becker’s book.

Keeping Your Deaf Dog Safe

There are many things that you can do to keep your deaf or hearing-impaired dog safe. Deaf dogs should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in yard while outdoors. Children should also be taught how to interact with, and behave around, deaf dogs.

Learning how to communicate with, and train, your dog using hand signals is important. Whether you use your own signals, standard obedience signs, American Sign Language or a combination of these, it is important that you, and others, who communicate with your dog, are consistent with the signs you use. As well, it is a good idea to use signs that only use one hand and are easily detected by your dog from a distance.

One of the first problems you will encounter is simple house training  Most people understand that you should take the puppy to the appropriate area and then praise him for correct elimination. Your puppy can’t hear verbal praise. Suddenly you have a big problem. You must first teach a hand signal for “yes”. The process of teaching a “yes” signal is relatively simple. First, you give the hand signal, then you offer the puppy treats and physical affection. After 50 repetitions, or so, the pup will learn to associate the hand signal with an earned reward, just like verbal praise. Be sure to maintain as much eye contact with your dog during all training endeavors. That means hunker down, get close, watch…Your dog will automatically go into the next step of whatever he is doing. It is essential that you connect the treat and affection with eliminating in the right location.

OF NOTE:
Your dog does not have a name. He/she will learn to associate your movements, facial expressions, hand signals to “call” the dog. Until you create a signal connected with “attention”.