Understanding Hearing Loss, Deafness and Ear Health

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel relies on their ears for much more than hearing your voice. Hearing helps dogs understand their surroundings, communicate with other animals and respond to important sounds around them. When hearing begins to deteriorate, the change can sometimes be so gradual that owners do not notice it immediately.

Hearing problems can affect Cavaliers of any age and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, ear disease deserves particular attention. Middle-ear problems, including primary secretory otitis media (PSOM), can occur in the breed and may contribute to hearing loss.

The good news is that some forms of hearing loss can improve when the underlying problem is identified and treated.

What Is Hearing Loss in Dogs?

Hearing loss means that a dog has reduced ability to hear sounds.

It may be:

• Partial – the dog can hear some sounds but not others.

• Complete – the dog cannot hear.

• Unilateral – hearing is reduced or absent in one ear.

• Bilateral – both ears are affected.

• Temporary – hearing may return when the underlying problem is treated.

• Permanent – the structures responsible for hearing have been irreversibly damaged.

Unilateral or partial hearing loss can be particularly difficult for owners to recognise because dogs can compensate remarkably well.

A dog may appear to hear normally at home while actually having significant hearing loss in one ear.

Why Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Develop Hearing Problems?

There are many possible causes of hearing loss in dogs.

These include:

• Ear infections

• Middle-ear disease

• Blockage of the ear canal

• Accumulation of material within the middle ear

• Damage to the eardrum

• Inner-ear disease

• Trauma

• Exposure to very loud noise

• Certain medications or drugs that can damage the structures involved in hearing

• Age-related hearing loss

• Neurological disease

• Congenital or inherited deafness in susceptible breeds

The cause is important because some forms of hearing loss are potentially reversible, while others are permanent.

Cavaliers and Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM)

One of the most important middle-ear conditions to understand as a Cavalier owner is primary secretory otitis media (PSOM). PSOM is an uncommon condition reported primarily in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It involves the accumulation of mucus within the tympanic bulla, the air-filled cavity of the middle ear.

Because the middle ear is involved in transmitting sound, the accumulation of fluid or mucus can interfere with hearing. PSOM is sometimes referred to as “glue ear”. Signs can vary considerably between individual dogs. A Cavalier may have hearing difficulties without showing the obvious signs of an external ear infection.

If your Cavalier appears to have reduced hearing, particularly if there are other ear or neurological signs, your veterinarian may investigate the middle ear as well as the visible ear canal.

Signs Your Cavalier May Have Hearing Problems

Hearing loss can be subtle, particularly when it develops gradually.

You may notice that your Cavalier:

• Does not respond when called

• Sleeps through noises that previously woke them

• Appears not to hear you entering the room

• No longer responds to familiar sounds

• Becomes confused about where sounds are coming from

• Watches you more closely for visual cues

• Does not respond to sounds behind them

• Seems less responsive to commands

• Startles when touched unexpectedly

• Barks more frequently or differently

• Does not move their ears in response to sounds

• Becomes less responsive as they get older

These signs do not automatically mean your Cavalier is deaf. Pain, anxiety, distraction, cognitive changes and ear disease can all affect a dog's response to sound. A veterinary examination is therefore important.

Could an Ear Infection Affect Your Cavalier's Hearing?

Yes. An external ear infection can cause swelling and accumulation of material within the ear canal, potentially interfering with the transmission of sound. Middle-ear infections can also affect hearing and may develop following external ear disease.

In some cases, hearing improves after the underlying infection or obstruction has been treated. Recovery may take time, particularly when inflammation has affected the middle ear. This is one reason why persistent or recurring ear problems should not be ignored.

For more information, see our pages on Ear Infections and Cleaning Your Cavalier's Ears.

Hearing Loss and Ageing

Age-related hearing loss is common in older dogs. Known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss generally develops gradually. Higher-frequency hearing may be affected first, followed by progressively greater loss.

Because the change can happen slowly, you may not realise your Cavalier's hearing has deteriorated until they stop responding to sounds they once recognised. An older Cavalier who does not respond when called may not be ignoring you, they may simply not be able to hear you.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will begin by taking a history and examining your Cavalier.

They may assess:

• The external ear canal

• The eardrum where visible

• Signs of inflammation or infection

• Neurological function

• Balance and coordination

• Your dog's responses to sound

Further diagnostic testing may be recommended depending on what your veterinarian finds. Imaging such as CT or MRI can be useful when middle, or inner-ear disease is suspected.

What Is a BAER Hearing Test?

A Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is a specialised test used to objectively assess hearing. The test delivers sounds to the ear while electrodes measure the electrical responses generated along the hearing pathway to the brain.

BAER testing can determine whether a dog can hear and can identify hearing loss that may be difficult to detect through observation alone. It can also assess each ear individually, making it particularly useful when unilateral hearing loss is suspected.

In Queensland, UQ VETS provides specialist audiology services, including BAER testing, for referred dogs and cats.

Can Hearing Loss Be Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. If hearing loss is caused by an obstruction, infection or some forms of middle-ear disease, treating the underlying problem may improve hearing.

For example, hearing associated with conductive problems can sometimes return once the obstruction or inflammation has been resolved. However, hearing loss caused by irreversible damage to the cochlea or hearing nerves generally cannot be restored. Your veterinarian will determine whether treatment, further investigation or ongoing management is appropriate.

Never Ignore Recurring Ear Problems

Repeated ear infections should not simply be treated whenever symptoms appear without investigating why they keep returning. Recurring inflammation can be associated with deeper ear disease, including middle-ear involvement. Merck Veterinary Manual notes that middle-ear disease is found in a substantial proportion of dogs with recurrent external ear inflammation.

If your Cavalier repeatedly experiences:

• Ear infections

• Head shaking

• Ear scratching

• Ear odour

• Ear discharge

• Ear pain

• Changes in hearing

speak with your veterinarian about whether further investigation is warranted.

Protect Your Cavalier's Hearing

There are simple things you can do to help protect your dog's ears and hearing.

Keep ears healthy

Check your Cavalier's ears regularly for redness, discharge, odour, swelling or discomfort.

Treat ear problems promptly

Do not leave recurring or painful ear problems untreated.

Follow veterinary advice about ear cleaning

Only use ear-cleaning products recommended for your dog and follow your veterinarian's instructions.

Avoid loud noise

Repeated exposure to very loud sounds can damage hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is particularly relevant to dogs exposed to loud, percussive sounds.

Never insert objects deep into the ear canal

Incorrect ear cleaning can injure the ear and potentially damage the eardrum.

Monitor older Cavaliers

Pay particular attention to changes in hearing as your Cavalier ages.

Living With a Deaf Cavalier

A Cavalier who loses their hearing can still enjoy an exceptionally happy and fulfilling life. Dogs rely heavily on their other senses, and many adapt remarkably well to hearing loss.

You can help by:

• Using consistent hand signals

• Getting your dog's attention visually

• Approaching them where they can see you

• Avoiding startling them while they are sleeping

• Keeping them safely contained outdoors

• Using a lead or secure harness when appropriate

• Teaching visual cues for important commands

• Maintaining predictable routines

Extra care is particularly important near roads and other hazards because a deaf dog cannot hear approaching vehicles, warnings or other environmental sounds. With patience and appropriate training, deaf dogs can continue to participate in family life and enjoy their surroundings.

When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?

Make an appointment if you notice any change in your Cavalier's hearing.

Seek veterinary attention promptly if hearing changes occur alongside:

• Head tilting

• Loss of balance

• Difficulty walking

• Circling

• Rapid or unusual eye movements

• Facial weakness

• Significant ear pain

• Ear discharge

• Sudden behavioural changes

Middle and inner-ear disease can affect both hearing and balance, and some conditions require prompt treatment. If your Cavalier suddenly seems unable to hear, don't assume it is simply old age. Have them examined by your veterinarian.

Your Cavalier's Hearing Checklist

☐ Check your Cavalier's ears regularly

☐ Look for redness, discharge or unusual odour

☐ Watch for excessive scratching or head shaking

☐ Pay attention to changes in response to sound

☐ Monitor your Cavalier as they age

☐ Treat ear infections promptly

☐ Follow your veterinarian's advice about ear cleaning

☐ Avoid exposing your Cavalier to excessively loud noise

☐ Ask your veterinarian about recurring ear problems

☐ Discuss suspected hearing loss with your veterinarian

☐ Ask whether further investigation or BAER testing is appropriate

☐ Keep deaf or hearing-impaired Cavaliers safe from traffic and other hazards

Hearing Is Part of Your Cavalier's Quality of Life

Our Cavaliers may not be able to tell us when their hearing is changing, which is why observation is so important. A Cavalier who suddenly stops responding to their name, sleeps through familiar noises or seems confused about where sounds are coming from may be experiencing hearing loss, or an underlying ear problem that needs attention.

For some dogs, hearing can improve when the underlying cause is treated. For others, hearing loss may be permanent. Either way, early veterinary assessment gives you the best opportunity to understand why your Cavalier's hearing has changed and what can be done to help.

Your Cavalier may eventually need to rely more heavily on sight, touch and routine, but with understanding and a little adaptation, a hearing-impaired dog can continue to live a happy, active and deeply connected life.