Etiology Cochlear Implants Employment Hearing Aids Hard of Hearing Communication Interpreting Infant Hearing Chat, News, Etc. Subscribe to our newsletter. Many people have and adopt deaf cats and dogs. The dog you see your neighbor walking down the street, or the cat that rubs against your leg and purrs, might be deaf. The puppies you cuddle are all deaf, but as they grow and become hearing one of their brothers or sisters may never become hearing.
Some breeds actually have a propensity for hearing loss.
Articles and Issues Dr. George Strain has written a long article on congenital deafness in dogs and cats. For example, there is a greater likelihood of death from being hit by cars because of the inability to hear the vehicles coming. There are also behavioral concerns. The article also includes a short list of references, and a table showing the prevalence of deafness in certain dog breeds. This position is outlined on their web site.