Deafness is the partial or complete hair loss. Deafness can be temporary, partial or total hair loss due to a variety of reasons such as ear infection, wax build up in the ear or congenital defects. One or both ears may be affected.
Hearing loss is a natural part of dog's aging process and acquired hearing loss is common among old age dogs. However, some diseases abd other factors can also play part in hearing loss in dogs. Sometimes, puppies are born with hearing defects and condition is congenital (present at birth).
There are about thirty breeds of dogs that are susceptible to partial or complete hearing loss including the Australian shepherd, Boston terrier, cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, German shepherd, Jack Russell terrier, Maltese, toy and miniature poodle, and West Highland white terrier. Typically, old dogs are most commonly affected.
Common symptoms associated with this condition include
Unresponsive to everyday sounds
Unresponsive to its name
Unresponsive to the sounds of squeaky toys
Not woken by a loud noise
Excessive barking for a dog of its age and breed
Unusual vocal sound
Sleeping more than typical for a dog of its age and breed
Decreased activity level
Overly aggressive behavior with littermates (young puppy with congenital deafness)
