How do you tell if a dog is deaf?

Question

My friend has just aquired a boxer, but it doesn't react to noise

Answer 1

Clap your hands behind it's head to see if the dog reacts - make noise in another room and see the response if nothing, then take him/her to the vet and have them make the diagnosis. Do not beat the floor around the dog as it may react to vibration.

Answer 2

The only way to know for sure if your dog is deaf is with a BAER test (see below). If you are unable (or unwilling) to have this test done, it is usually possible to make an accurate determination by observing the dog or talking to your vet and other "dog professionals." Most of us never have any doubts.

Tests You Can Do At Home

Jangle keys, a rattle, or a can of coins
Squeak a toy (be sure that air from the toy doesn't hit the dog - try it behind your back)
Call your dog in a normal voice - try yelling
Clap your hands (you should be far enough away so that he doesn't feel air movement)
Whistle or (if you're musically challenged) blow a whistle
Turn on a vacuum cleaner (be sure it's far enough away from the dog so that the vibrations or airflow don't reach him)
Bang two pots together (be careful of air vibrations reaching your dog)
Ring a bell or have someone ring your telephone or doorbell
Remember that if the dog is unilaterally deaf, you will get a different response depending on which side it is sleeping on or from what angle the sound has been directed. Some deaf dogs may hear very low or very high-pitched sounds. They may perk up, look around and have an expression on their face that asks, "What was that?" This could be an advantage if it's true for your dog - try using a dog whistle and see if you get a response to it.

If your dog doesn't hear normal sounds at normal volumes, chances are that it is deaf. Ask your vet or trainer if you feel the need for a second opinion. Like we said before, the only way to know for certain is to have the dog BAER tested.

What is BAER testing?
A BAER test is the only 100% reliable method for determining that a dog is deaf (or for measuring the extent of its hearing loss). BAER (pronounced "bear") stands for "Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response" and is a procedure using computers to record the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound stimulation. This is the same test used to check the hearing of human infants, and measures the same range of hearing. This means that the test does not measure the full range of canine hearing, but it will tell you if your dog has hearing within the normal human range (some dogs will test as "deaf," but will still be able to hear very high pitches).

The test is not painful and can be performed on any dog over six weeks of age. (A puppy's ear canals don't open until they are about two weeks old.) Sedation is usually not necessary, but some dogs (especially puppies) don't like being restrained, or having wires hang from their face, so it can be performed while the dog is sedated. A clicking sound is directed into the ear through a foam insert, earphones, or headphones and the brain's response is recorded. Each ear is tested individually and the test generally lasts for only 10 to 15 minutes. You can see pictures of puppies being tested, and what the printout results look like at this site - Dalghani Tibetan Terriers - Deafness and BAER testing.

Answer 3

The dog might be deaf if it doesn't react to noise. Call its name a few times and see what happens. If there is no progress then you should probably take the dog to the vet. Good Luck xx

Answer 4

Stand behind your dog a bit and shake a soda can of pennies. No reaction, your dog is proabably deaf. You can try snapping, clapping, whispering their name. Try a few different things. If none works, take to the vet to know for sure.

Answer 5

Your friend should take him/her to the vet.
Do not pound something on the floor because the dog may react to the vibration rather than the sound.

speak his name where the dog cannot see you around a wall or corner.. if he doesn't respond there may be something wrong.
They can also have ear infections that can decrease hearing. He/she needs to be seen by a vet.

Answer 6

Take him to the vet, but if he doesnt react to noise, that is usually a pretty good sign.

Answer 7

Their hearing is very good if he doesn't react to any noise he's probably deaf

Answer 8

You take a small can and put 4-6 pennies in it and shake it. Dogs hate thta sound. And if the dog starts to back up the can hear. If you do not wish to do so, take him to your local vet.

Answer 9

take a sandal and beat the floor, see whether your dog reacts with the noise or whether it gets shocked or not. if it doesn't get shocked, the dog is deaf.

Answer 10

well here is a test if you call him and he ignores you try giving him his treat see my Bulldog acts like she is deaf and will ignore me but when I say numi-nums she can be at the other end of the house and come running. buy the way numi-nums is cheese.