hard of hearing dog, possibly deaf.

Question
Have you found Cockapoos to have trouble hearing?  I rescued one last year that had been left out in a major rainstorm.  Could this be a reason for hearing loss?  He gets very startled if you place your hand on his shoulder and he doesn't see you approaching him.

His age now:  1 year and 8 mths.

Answer
Deafness is very rare in dogs.  I seriously doubt that a thunderstorm would cause hearing loss, unless the dog was struck by lightening or something. Have his ears been checked by a vet to see if there is a blockage of the ear canals by either hair or wax? Sometimes dogs get middle ear problems and that can dampen hearing as well.