The hearing and mobility of the dog’s ears allow it to scan the environment and locate sounds.

A dog’s ear has a complex structure made up of nerves, cartilage and small bones which, working together with the brain, lead to the interpretation of sounds. Damage to one of these sensitive areas can cause partial or complete hearing loss – deafness.

Hearing loss in a dog can be caused by a number of factors. For many dog owners, living with a deaf dog can be confusing because they lack the knowledge needed to relate well.

Fortunately, most dogs who lose their hearing can go on to live long and happy lives. Communication and proper care are key to happiness for both the canine and the owner.