My bunny is deaf...I think

Question
Hello, My bunny, Nutmeg, is a Mini Holland Lopear and I've had him since he was 8 weeks old & is now 20 mos. old. I have had him neutered as well to make him a better pet.  He has always been very layed back and friendly; however, during the past 3-4 weeks, I'm wondering if he isn't so layed back because I think he's deaf.  The lady I bought him from doesn't think so but would like your opinion.  Nutmeg has the run of the house when I'm at home.  He has NEVER chewed on anything that he shouldn't.  When I run the sweeper, he will run over & put his feet on the sweeper without fear. I have even caught fringe fromm a rug in it & you know what a horrible sound that makes; & he is not phased by it even if I'm only a couple feet from him.  When he is sleeping, I can walk up behind him, clap my hands, yell his name & shake keys or large paper bag & he won't even glance up.  I think it's rather sad if he's deaf but can't help but think, it actually makes him a better pet since he doesn't get startled.  What is your opinion?  He is certainly fun & healthy in every other way.

Answer
Dear Whilma,

Lots of rabbits like to play with the sweeper or vaccuum.  But the fact that he doesn't seem to hear the clapping, keys or other noises when he's not facing you does suggest he may have a loss of hearing.

Your rabbit-savvy vet may have ideas about how to check this more definitively, and have a look inside the ears to be sure the problem isn't wax obstruction or an ear infection.

www.rabbit.org/vets

but since even human hearing tests involve a behavioral response from the subject ("Raise your hand when you can't hear the tone any more."), it's not likely you'll be able to get a medical diagnosis without incredibly expensive (and probably over-the-top) neurological testing.

Just think of it as one of his special traits.  If everything else is fine, then I would not worry about him being deaf, especially since he's a spoiled houserabbit.  :)

Hope this helps.

Dana