Dogs lose their hearing with age in much the same way that humans do. The most common sign of hearing loss in dogs is when they don’t respond as they used to to commands. They may require touching to get their attention and may not be happy to be stroked or caressed near their ears.
Hearing aids can help for dogs with non-genetic issues. Dogs who gradually lose hearing with age will still have some residual hearing left which will mean a hearing aid can assist. Dogs born with congenital deafness or deafness due to accident or injury may not benefit from a hearing aid.
Hearing aids for dogs are very similar to ‘behind the ear’ hearing aids for humans. Of course they need to be held in place differently, perhaps with an band.
Vets can check if a dog is suffering with hearing loss by performing a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test. This measures if the dog responds to certain sounds. As with humans doggy deafness may be due to infection or blockage of the ear canal, particularly if the onset is sudden. A vet will be able to determine this.
We are currently examining the feasibility of offering hearing aids for dogs through our Glossop, Poynton and Congleton shops. We will keep you posted on this.