deafness in older dogs

Question
is there an "average" age for a large breed dog to lose their hearing? My senior Golden retriever (12.5 years)seems to have lost most of her hearing.She has never had ear problems, and is otherwise quite spry. I'm going to try cleaning them really well. Do dogs get wax build-up that impedes hearing like elderly adults?   Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tracy - I don't know of an average age except to say that 12 is Senior Citizen age for a Golden kid.  I would have a vet check out the ear for any foreign body or excessive wax build up.
You can't rule that out on your own... I am sure you don't have an otoscope just hanging around the house.

BEST wishes,
Let me know what the vet says...

Marie Peppers LPN MA



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