can rabbits be deaf

Question
hiya
I was wondering if you could help me I have a 18 week old mini lop called Ollie he doesn't seem to react to noise as he has lopped ears he doesn't put them up when there is noise like my other rabbit daisy she is also a mini lop and she always does things when she hears any noise where as Ollie doesn't I am a bit worried he goes back to the vet this week should I ask the vet about it? Thanks
Sarah Ollie and Daisy XXX

Answer
Dear Sarah,

Yes, rabbits can be deaf.  And the only way you can really judge this is exactly the way you've been doing it:  by observing his behavior in response to sounds around him.

Do tell the vet about this, since the vet can look into the ears and see if the problem is something as simple as debris (wax or ear mites) blocking his ear canal.  But if he *is* deaf, there's no reason to worry as long as you keep an eye out for him, don't surprise him unduly, and make sure everyone knows to watch where they step because Ollie can't hear them coming and get out of the way.

Hope that helps!

Dana