Hearing

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Mackenzie,
How can one check their dog's hearing ?

And when doing that, how can we check each ear separately - so  we would know if one particular ear has an issue ?
Thank you for your time Mr. Mackenzie
Steve

ANSWER:
Hi Steve,

There are some simple tests you can perform at home if you feel your dog has hearing loss, read more here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5693288_test-dog_s-hearing.html

http://jeffnenadic.articlealley.com/11-check-your-dog-for-hearing-loss-866432.ht

If through a home test you feel your dog isn't hearing as well as he should, it's time for a vet visit. There isn't a substitute for professional medical care.

Best of luck,

Patti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Patti, thx much for getting back to me on this and providing the links. Have you also heard of a Baer test for canine hearing ? Thanks again, Steve

Answer

Hi Steve,

I'm glad you found my response helpful.

Yes, I've heard of the Baer test. Because dogs can't tell us what they're able to hear, the Baer Test uses computers to record the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound. It's the only 100% reliable way to determine whether or not a dog is deaf (or the extent of its hearing loss). This same test is used to test the hearing of human infants.

Because of the special equipment needed for the test, the Baer Test isn't given at all vet offices. If your vet can't give you a referral to a Baer Testing site, you may be able to find one here:

ww.lsu.edu/deafness/baersite.htm

Best of luck,

Patti