ABSTRACT
Studies of canine hearing using auditory measures have been ongoing since the 1980s. Congenital deafness has been identified in over 80 breeds of dog. Auditory evoked potentials, specifically, the auditory brainstem response, or brainstem auditory evoked response, is the gold standard for auditory assessment in dogs. Hearing loss in dogs can either be inherited or acquired. Inherited hearing loss results from genetic defects, commonly occurring in dogs with white pigmentation patterns, whereas acquired hearing loss can originate from intrauterine infection, middle ear dysfunction, ototoxicity, presbycusis, or noise exposure. To identify congenital hearing loss a hearing screen is warranted. To identify the type and degree of hearing loss, a diagnostic audiological assessment is warranted. Protocols for screening have been previously identified and adhered to over the past several years; however, standardized protocols specifically for diagnostic testing in dogs vary across the literature. Diagnostic testing should include a battery of audiological measures to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the outer, middle and inner ear, vestibulocochlear nerve and central auditory pathway. Research is ongoing regarding effective and practical assessment approaches in dogs for diagnostic purposes. A review of canine hearing, anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and common audiological assessments used for this population will be covered. The status of contemporary canine audiology practices will be discussed, including current 146advances about auditory cognition and noise-induced hearing loss in dogs. Suggestions will be proposed regarding the future direction of the field. The management of hearing loss in dogs, including recommendations for training and rehabilitation, will conclude this chapter.
