Updated May 2026
If your Chihuahua suddenly seems to be ignoring you—or sleeping a lot deeper than usual—you might be wondering if something’s wrong with their hearing.
Hearing loss in dogs is actually pretty common, especially as they get older. The good news? Many dogs adapt incredibly well once you understand what’s going on and how to help them.
Hearing loss in dogs can be caused by aging, ear infections, wax buildup, injury, or genetics. Common signs include not responding to sounds, sleeping deeply, confusion, and changes in barking. Some causes are treatable, while others are permanent, but most dogs adapt very well with simple adjustments.
Signs Your Dog May Be Losing Their Hearing
Sometimes hearing loss happens gradually, so it’s easy to miss at first.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Not responding to their name
- Ignoring commands they used to know
- Sleeping very deeply (hard to wake)
- Getting startled easily when touched
- Not reacting to loud noises (doorbell, vacuum, etc.)
- Barking more—or sometimes less than usual
- Seeming confused or disoriented
- Not turning their ears toward sounds
💡 Important: Many owners think their dog is being stubborn—but it could actually be hearing loss.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Dogs?
There isn’t just one cause. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on what’s going on.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
This is the most common cause, especially in senior Chihuahuas. It usually happens gradually and is permanent.
Ear Infections
Untreated ear infections can damage the ear over time.
Wax or Debris Blockage
Sometimes it’s as simple as buildup in the ear canal, which can be treated.
Genetics
Some dogs are born deaf or develop hearing issues early due to genetics.
Loud Noise Exposure
Repeated exposure to loud sounds (like gunfire) can damage hearing over time.
Certain Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)
Some medications can affect hearing, especially if used long-term.
Injury or Neurological Issues
Head trauma or inner ear problems can also lead to hearing loss.
How Vets Diagnose Hearing Loss
If you suspect hearing loss, your vet can help confirm it.
They may:
- Examine the ears for infection or blockage
- Check for neurological issues
- Recommend a BAER test (the most accurate hearing test for dogs)
This test measures how your dog’s brain responds to sound.
Can Hearing Loss Be Treated?
It depends on the cause.
✔️ Sometimes Reversible:
- Ear infections
- Wax buildup
- Certain medication reactions
❌ Usually Permanent:
- Aging
- Nerve damage
- Genetic deafness
Even if it’s permanent, don’t panic—dogs adapt much better than we expect.
How to Help a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Dog
This is where you can really make a difference 💛
Use Hand Signals
Dogs are great at reading body language. You can teach signals for:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
Use Vibrations to Get Attention
Lightly stomp on the floor so they feel the vibration.
Keep Them Safe
- Use a leash outdoors
- Make sure your yard is secure
- Consider a tag, harness, leash, or collar that says “Deaf Dog.”
Avoid Startling Them
Approach gently and let them see you before touching them.
Stick to Routines
Dogs feel more confident when they know what to expect.
Hearing Loss in Senior Chihuahuas
As Chihuahuas age, hearing loss becomes more common—especially in dogs over 10–12 years old.
It often happens slowly, which means you might not notice right away.
Some owners mistake it for:
- Stubbornness
- Cognitive decline
- “Selective hearing”
When Should You See a Vet?
Make an appointment if you notice:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Head tilting or balance problems
- Signs of ear infection (odor, discharge, scratching)
- Behavior changes
These could point to something treatable—or more serious.
Final Thoughts
Hearing loss can feel scary at first—but for your Chihuahua, it’s just a different way of experiencing the world.
With a few simple adjustments, deaf dogs can live just as happy, safe, and loving lives as any other dog.
❓ FAQ Section
Can hearing loss in dogs be reversed?
Sometimes. If it’s caused by an ear infection or blockage, it may be treatable. Age-related hearing loss is usually permanent.
How can I tell if my dog is deaf or just ignoring me?
Look for patterns. If your dog doesn’t respond to loud noises, their name, or sounds behind them, hearing loss is likely.
Do deaf dogs bark more or less?
It depends. Some bark more because they can’t hear themselves, while others bark less due to reduced awareness.
Can Chihuahuas be born deaf?
Yes, though it’s not extremely common. Genetics can play a role in congenital deafness.
Can a deaf dog still be trained?
Absolutely! Deaf dogs can learn using hand signals, visual cues, and routines.
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
Dr. Sara Ochoa
DVM
This article has been fact-checked and approved by Dr. Sara Ochoa DVM. You can read more about her on our About page.
Preventing health diseases of your pet is just as important as taking care of your own health. Thanks for the article, keep up the awesome blog!
I have a deaf chihuahua. She is all white. Pixie is the most loving dog. I wouldn’t give her up for anything. Her other senses are strong and compensate for the loss of hearing. She was deaf at birth. Love my chi!
She’s so cute Joyce! Thanks for sharing about her.
I have a 3 year old deaf Chihuahua called Così and she is the only one of my Chihuahuas that comes on command…always and instantly she sees my hand signal. The other two can hear but ignore my calls!!!
It’s true that having a deaf dog is a great responsibility but it is also very rewarding. I would happily have another deaf dog.
My 3yo chihuahua named Boss was born deaf, h has a gorgeous thick white coat with 3 big blue hairless spots. He is so loving, beautiful natures and most all he is happy ? Love my boy
He is beautiful Renee!
I have a new Chihuahua pup, Sasha, who is 4 mths old.
I have just realised that she doesn’t respond to sound. She doesn’t notice what’s happening around her unless she is actually watching you. I absolutely adore her and was heartbroken when I realised only today. I will have to be EXTRA careful with her surroundings.
I think I should get the vet to check this out but can they tell from looking at her ears?
There’s mention here of light coloured dogs, Sasha is apricot with dark eyes.
The vets have simple tests they do to see if a dog is deaf. Sometimes they can tell just by looking at the ears if there’s an obvious malformity but usually not.
Sasha is such an adorable little girl!
Thankyou for your reply. I’ll make an appointment with the Vet and see what thet find. I guess I should let the Breeder know too. Sasha is registered and I had been hoping to go to Shows with her but I suppose that is out of the question now, breeding with her in the future was something I might have considered but that is a definite “NO” now too.
Mostly I’m sad that she has a silent world but I’m already looking at ways to make it a normal, happy one for her.
She’s lucky she has you for her mama Katherine.
Thankyou ☺
My Sugar developed the age relate deafness. It did seem sudden, but according to the article, that was related to losing the last bit of hearing and my realizing them that she did not respond to sound. The vet said there was no treatment for her deafness. She responding to hand signals and touch, and I will always miss her although I do have another baby now and love her dearly.
That’s good that she responds to hand signals. I have gotten to where I start with had signals when they are young and the hearing is good so it will be so much easier as they age and lose their hearing.
My Tri Color Chihuahua Moses , will be 15 next month. He has lost his hearing in the last two months. His personality gas really changed toward. He still wants too be tight by my side. He get very excited when I return from shopping. During other times he no longer wants to cuddle with me. He will not allow me too hold him up next too me and kiss or love on me by rubbing me on my face with his head. He seems depressed and won’t play our usual games. I’m so upset. Can you give me any hope for seeing him happy again.
He may be going through a form of canine dementia. It often changes their personality. Do have drugs for this that help quite a bit so see your vet and tell him what’s going on.
My white chi doesn’t here anything I say. She doesn’t respond at all. Is she deaf??? How old are they befor they know their name. I have to white chi. They don’t even know their name yet at 6 months
She may very well be deaf. White chis are known to have more hearing issues that other colors.
But if she is deaf, you can train her with hand signals. I’ve done that with my dogs even though they weren’t deaf. It’s helped now that my 14 year old has lost her hearing.
Taco let me adopt him, from a shelter. They said on his post 8 1/2 yrs. I got to the shelter an they had posted on his cage 10 1/2. I could have care less, I had already fallen in love at first sight from his picture. It was the end of January, I had passed all the requirements. It was if they really did not want to have anyone adopt. I finally told them to call my Vet. Maybe my being a senior had something to do with their putting me off. (To make a very long story shorter) When I got there to pick up Taco, he was just sitting there, very dejected, ( a real sad site) I had lost my Snoopy, to liver failure in Nov. Wasn’t even thinking of another Chi, but something drew me to that Web Site. Taco has come thru a serious digestive problem, turned 11 yrs. young, June 2, 2018. Discovered he was deaf, no problem for me, I love him all the more. We are adjusting to each other, & I am trying to teach him some simple signs. I let him know when I am leaving the room, & many, many time just go over to him & tell him I love him & so grateful for having him in my life. He is responding a little more each day. He has filled my whole being, in ways no one could imagine. We are still working on the hugs & being held.
Taco is my fifth Chi/ & Chi mix, I’m a mother of two, raised four, have grand-children, & great grand-children, I turned 79 this past Sept 11 th. & pray Taco doesn’t out live me, lol.
That’s a great story about Taco. I’m so glad you were finally able to get him.
If you can add a photo here (just look for where it says Choose Files under the Post Comment button, I can make your story into it’s own blog post for our Chi Stories category.
My 13-year-old baby is now deaf as a brick. He has been my nearly constant companion since he was just 8 weeks. I’m sure that he has been losing his hearing for some time but I never noticed because he is so attentive to my every movement. I was a tough lesson for me the day he finally let me know that he couldn’t hear anymore. I had come home through the front door after a short errand, he was waiting for me to return at the back door, where I had left. No amount of calling him got any response even though I was only a few feet away, I rewarded his loyalty and dedication by going back outside and coming in the back door as he was expecting.
You sound like a great pet parent Larkin.
Dogs are so intuitive, they can sometimes fool us for quite awhile about being deaf.
I too am a mom of four furry girls. 2 of my girls are sisters and Deafie is all white with a few spots on her ears. She is almost 5. As a puppy, I put a cat bell in her collar because sometimes I wouldn’t be able to find her. She has been deaf since birth. She is the most sweet and loving little girl and is definitely baby-fied, due to me feeling like I needed to protect her more because she’s deaf. She knows hand signals for multiple things and I will catch her sitting there sometimes just stating at my hands. She is extra special and I wouldn’t trade her for anything!
I think it’s great you and Deafie found each other. She sounds like a wonderful little dog.
Princess rescued us after we lost our Tinker Bell to seizures. It was a couple of weeks before we realized she was deaf. She had just come to our local rescue from West Texas and we don’t think they even knew it. She is absolutely the love of our life & wouldn’t think of trading her for a hearing baby. She is so smart & we only have two regrets: our fear of losing contact outside (take great care not to let her get loose) & that she can’t hear us even though we talk to her just like she could (swear she can read lips). Up side is that she has no fear of fireworks, lightening, screaming kids or traffic noise when we travel. We live in a fifth-wheel & she loves to go. She gets plenty of exercise “chasing cars or anything else up & down the RV since the windows go to the floor. So many praises, don’t know where to stop. She is the most lovable fur baby ever.
I’m glad Princess found such a great family! Do yall use any hand signals with her?
Our 14 year old Chihuahua, BlueBell, has suddenly become deaf (or so we thought) and it has made us very sad. All she wants to do now is sleep. Doesn’t act very interested in eating but will eat eventually. She used to be our most lively, fun personality but acts like she is just existing. We are not sure if we are doing the right thing by not wanting to put her down.
I know, it’s so hard to know when it’s time to let them go. If she’s not in any pain, I don’t think you need to do it yet.
My 13 year old chihuahua, Trixie, is nearly deaf. Since this, she doesn’t get out of my way like she used to. She can see me and everything. She just stays closer to me as she’s walking in front my of me, while she looks back to see if I’m still there. I nearly step on her!
I go through the same thing with our big dog Roxy (who’s deaf). She loves to walk in front of me and just stop. I have tripped over her more than once.
I adopted an 8week old Chihuahua. He never responded to me. I’m so thankful I put a bell on his collar. The vet and I know he isn’t totally deaf. I will do whatever I can to train him. There is an advantage. Willy never hears the neighbors’ dogs barking throughout the day!!
LOL, that’s a positive way to look at it.
I keep a bell on Bear’s collar too. He isn’t deaf but he’s totally black and at night, if he’s outside you can’t see him at all.
I have a 6 month old Blue Merle Chi with blue eyes, and up to this point I was convinced he has either stubborn or deaf. But lately he has been responding just having trouble figuring where the sounds is coming from. Is it possible that is hearing is just now developing.
I have never heard of it developing that late but who knows? It could be that he only hears in one ear which could cause him confusion where the sound is coming from.