Is My Dog Losing Their Hearing? Signs to Watch For + How to Help
Nov 14
6 min read
0
4
0
Have you ever called your dog and gotten zero reaction — not even an ear twitch? If so, you’ve probably wondered, “Are they ignoring me? Or can they just not hear me?”
That’s exactly where I am with Scout, my 13-year-old hound mix, right now.
When “Selective Hearing” Might Not Be So Selective
I’m about 95% sure Scout is experiencing hearing loss, but I honestly can’t say how well she still hears. She’s always been stubborn (and, I admit, I was never going to win Dog Trainer of the Year), so for a long time I assumed she was just doing her usual “I hear you, but I don’t agree” routine. Or maybe she’s just slowing down and too tired to care?
It’s been hard to tell if she’s ignoring me or simply can’t hear me (or a little of both). But I’ve gathered a few clues:
She’s following me from room to room more than before. I’m starting to think she’s not doing it for the company so much as reassurance. If she can’t hear where I am in the house, she may want to keep me in sight.
I’ve surprised her a few times. If she is not on the couch looking out the front window, she doesn’t seem to realize when I’ve come home. Once, I even had to search her out and found her on her bed in my office, completely clueless.
She doesn’t always react when I talk. I often have to clap loudly to get Scout’s attention. Even the magic words — “do you want to go outside?” — do not seem to excite her unless I also make exaggerated beckoning motions with my arms.
So, yes, that seems like pretty strong evidence that my girl isn’t hearing as well as she used to. I started to research what I needed to know about hearing loss in dogs and what I can do to help her feel safe, confident, and comfortable.
Turns out, hearing loss in dogs is very common and often under-recognized. Here’s what I’ve learned.
(By the way, I've put together a free, downloadable checklist to help you spot the most common signs of hearing loss in dogs. It's quick, easy to use, and a handy way to track what you notice.)
Quick note: I’m not a vet and have no medical training or expertise. I’m sharing my experience and research for informational and entertainment purposes only. I’ve spoken to my vet about Scout’s hearing, and I strongly recommend you speak with yours about your pup’s specific needs.
Why Dogs Lose Their Hearing
There are several reasons dogs experience hearing loss. Some are temporary and treatable; others are permanent and part of aging.
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
This is the most common cause, especially in senior dogs.
Just like humans, dogs can gradually lose sensitivity in the tiny hair cells inside the inner ear that transmit sound.
This kind of hearing loss comes on slowly, usually affects both ears evenly, and can make high-pitched sounds harder to hear.
Chronic Ear Infections
Repeated infections can cause swelling, thickening of the ear canal tissue, or long-term damage.
Dogs with floppy ears (Labs, spaniels, doodles, or hounds like Scout) may be especially prone.
Injury or Trauma
Injuries to the head or inner ear can impair hearing. Even loud noise exposure (e.g., hunting dogs near gunfire) can contribute.
Illness or Inflammation
Conditions like untreated ear mites, hypothyroidism, or certain autoimmune diseases can affect ear health and hearing.
Congenital (Genetic) Hearing Loss
Some breeds are more prone, especially those with merle or piebald coats (Aussies, Dalmatians, etc.).
How Common Is Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs?
Experts estimate that a large percentage of dogs over age 12 experience at least partial hearing reduction. It’s often subtle, so many pet parents don’t realize it’s happening until later stages.
Signs Your Dog May Be Losing Their Hearing
The signs I’ve noticed with Scout are actually among the most common indicators of hearing loss. Here are the big ones to watch out for:
Behavioral Changes
Startling easily (especially when touched unexpectedly)
Not responding to their name, commands, or household sounds they used to react to
Sleeping more deeply and being harder to wake
Following you around more because they rely on visual cues
Not noticing you come home unless they see you
Environmental Reaction Changes
Missing cues like the sound of food being poured, treat bags, or the doorbell
Barking more (or louder) because they can’t hear themselves
Seeming confused when given verbal commands that they used to understand
Physical/Health Indicators
Ear discharge or odor could indicate infection
Head shaking or pawing at ears may mean your pup is uncomfortable or in pain
Not every dog will show the same signs, and other personality traits (um, stubbornness?) may look very similar to hearing loss. But if you are seeing several of these signs, it’s worth paying attention.
How to Help Your Dog With Hearing Loss
The good news: most dogs adapt incredibly well to reduced hearing. They already rely on body language cues, routines, and scent, so most senior dogs can thrive through hearing loss with just a few adjustments.
Prioritize Their Safety
Don’t let them off-leash unless in an enclosed area. Even if they are well-trained (I wouldn’t know about that), they may not hear cars, people, or other dangers.
Use a long-line leash while they are supervised outdoors for more freedom.
Approach gently so you don’t startle them. Walk where they can see you coming or lightly tap the floor to create subtle vibrations.
Switch to Visual or Tactile Cues
Use hand signals. Dogs naturally read body language.
Teach new visual cues for “come,” “sit,” “stay,” “okay,” etc.
Use a flashlight to get their attention outdoors at night.
Try gentle vibrations, like tapping the floor. A vibration-based collar (not a shock collar) may also work for some dogs, but be on the lookout for any signs of fear or anxiety.
Make Communication Clearer
Maintain consistent routines. Dogs with hearing loss rely on predictability.
Pair gestures with facial expressions, like big smiles or nods.
Reduce Anxiety
Develop a clear “I’m leaving” routine (treat, gesture, or touch).
Avoid approaching from behind. Give a gentle shoulder tap other touch to get their attention.
Wake them gently, since dogs who are hard of hearing may sleep more deeply.
Provide cozy, consistent napping spots for them to relax where they feel safe.
Try enrichment tools like snuffle mats, nose work games, and puzzles to tap into their other senses, boost confidence, and reduce stress.
Support Ear Health
If there’s any chance of infection or inflammation, a vet visit can help rule out treatable causes.
Final Thoughts
It’s tough watching our dogs age, but losing their hearing does not mean losing their quality of life. In many cases, they adjust better than we expect. They just need us to adjust with them.
Scout’s slowing down, but she’s still happy, silly, stubborn, loud, and 100% herself.
When our dogs show signs of hearing loss, it’s up to us to make a few adjustments to give them a full life. Luckily, they pay us back for any effort we put in many times over with tail-wags and unconditional love.
Grab Your Free Dog Hearing Checklist!
Download this handy checklist to track any signs of hearing loss in your dog. The more boxes you check, the more reason to consider simple adjustments at home and have a chat with your vet. It's completely free with zero strings.
More Practical Tips for Dog Parents
If you found this helpful, you might also like to check out our practical tips for dog owners, like:
The Unwritten Rules of Naming Your Dog (and Why You Can Totally Break Them)
It Happens: Practical (and Creative) Ways to Deal with Dog Poop
How I Handle Vet Bills Without Pet Insurance (and Why It Might Not Work for Everyone)
Can I Please Meet Your Dog?
I’d love to learn about your pup! I have a blast featuring real dogs in my Dog of the Week series. Submit yours here! It’s fun, free, and a great excuse to go on and on about your dog to an audience that actually is looking forward to hearing it!
Want a Custom Illustration of Your Dog?
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for your dog-obsessed loved one, check out my custom Puppy Love collection. It’s a sweet way to celebrate your pup, and makes a perfect holiday, birthday, or just-because gift.
