How to Check Your Dog’s or Cat’s Ears and Detect Hearing Loss Early

Why Regular Ear Checks Are Important for Pets

Routine ear checks help you:

✅ Catch ear infections early
Ear infections can cause pain, balance issues, and contribute to hearing loss if left untreated. Regular checks can spot redness, swelling, or discharge.

✅ Prevent buildup of wax and debris
Excessive wax or debris can block sound waves and affect hearing. Routine cleaning can help maintain clear ear canals.

✅ Detect age-related changes
Just like humans, pets may experience gradual hearing loss with age. Monitoring helps you catch subtle changes early.

✅ Spot injury or foreign objects
Outdoor pets can occasionally pick up plant material, dirt, or other objects that affect their hearing.

✅ Support communication & safety
A pet with untreated hearing loss may become more anxious, less responsive, or even at risk near roads or other hazards.

Signs of Possible Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats

Here are key behavioral clues that may indicate hearing loss:

  • Not responding to their name

  • Sleeping through loud noises

  • No reaction to doorbells or visitors

  • Startling when touched

  • Tilting head or shaking ears frequently

  • Disorientation or increased anxiety

  • Following other pets' cues more than usual

  • Changes in vocalization (more barking, whining, or meowing)

Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Pets

1️⃣ Ear Infections (acute or chronic)
2️⃣ Wax buildup
3️⃣ Foreign bodies in the ear canal
4️⃣ Age-related (presbycusis)
5️⃣ Noise-induced hearing damage
6️⃣ Ototoxic medications
7️⃣ Injury to the ear or head
8️⃣ Genetic factors (some breeds are more predisposed)
9️⃣ Tumors or growths in the ear canal

What You Can Do: Screen with the Pet Acoustics Pet Hearing Test

Thanks to modern technology, pet parents can now conveniently monitor hearing changes at home with the Pet Acoustics Pet Hearing Test, available in the Pet Acoustics+ App (App Store & Google Play).

How It Works:

  • The test plays a series of frequency-specific tones designed to match your dog’s or cat’s hearing range.

  • You observe your pet’s reactions (ear movement, head turns, alertness).

  • The app helps you track changes over time and provides guidance on when to consult your veterinarian.

Benefits:

  • Non-invasive & safe

  • Scientifically designed & patent-pending

  • Quick and easy to use

  • Creates a hearing profile for your pet

  • Valuable for monitoring senior pets

  • A tool for early intervention

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If the Pet Hearing Test suggests diminished hearing OR if you observe any of the behavioral signs above, it’s important to schedule a veterinary evaluation. A vet can:

  • Check for infections or obstructions

  • Perform a more detailed ear exam

  • Recommend treatment (medication, cleaning, surgery if needed)

  • Help you manage any permanent hearing loss and advise on safety strategies

In Summary

Your pet’s hearing is a vital part of their quality of life. Regular ear checks, attention to behavioral changes, and simple tools like the Pet Acoustics Hearing Test empower you to stay on top of your pet’s auditory health.

Early detection leads to early intervention — and helps you ensure that your beloved pet stays happy, responsive, and connected to their world.

Try the free Pet Acoustics Pet Hearing Test today — because every sound matters to your pet.
👉 https://www.petacoustics.com/home-pet-hearing-test

Cats, DogsJanet Marlow