A cat’s hearing is a critical part of their self-protection and their hunting ability. Some cats are born with a hearing loss or hearing difficulty while others may sustain an injury or infection that decreases hearing acuity. Hearing loss is also not uncommon in cats as they get older.

How to Tell if Your Cat Can’t Hear. According to Karen R. Munana, DVM, associate professor of neurology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, changes in your cat may at first be subtle.

For example, it may be sleeping more soundly than usual, to the point where it misses the usually eye-opening sound of food landing in its dish. Other symptoms are more obvious. "Your cat may meow very loudly or become easily startled," Munana says. "You may notice a discharge from its ear or a foul odor near the ear. Or, you might notice your cat shaking its head or pawing at the ear." 

It is, however, important to note that not all cats with hearing problems show these signs, and symptoms may vary. If you suspect your cat has developed a hearing problem, you should check with your vet about diagnosis and treatment.  You vet may refer you to a specialty veterinary clinics for complete hearing tests. If you cat does have a hearing loss, you need to take some precautions to protect him, including insuring that he remains in doors and away from threats he can no longer hear.

You may also have the option of getting a hearing aid for your cat. Hans-Rainer Kurz, a German hearing aid manufacturer, has created a device that improves the hearing of partially deaf cats. The hearing aid was developed in conjunction with the School of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover. The device is implanted in the cat’s outer ear and held in place by a titanium casing.

New Hearing Aid for Cats

Posted by Barbara.