Deafness in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and How To Help Your Cat

What Is Deafness in Cats?

Deafness in cats refers to a feline's inability to hear sound.

When a cat can’t hear, they don’t react to noises that are present around them.

Some cats may not show any symptoms if they have adapted well to hearing loss, while others may exhibit frequent meowing, hiding behaviors, and ear twitching.

Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, preventing sound from being perceived by the brain.

This can be due to various underlying health issues, including trauma or chronic ear infections.

Typically, hearing loss occurs gradually over time, in which case pet parents may notice their cat responding less to their name or becoming startled more easily.

In these instances, schedule a veterinary appointment promptly to determine the underlying cause.

However, if the hearing loss comes on suddenly, it should be treated as a medical emergency.

Affected cats should be seen by an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Deafness in Cats

Deafness in cats can cause the following symptoms:

• Not reacting to sounds

• Not responding to their name or commands

• Behavioral changes, such as hiding

• Ear flicking or twitching

• Frequent meowing

• Easily startled

Cats who have lost hearing in only one ear may not show any obvious symptoms of hearing loss.

Causes of Deafness in Cats

Causes of deafness in cats can be separated into two categories—congenital (present from birth) or acquired.

Congenital causes of deafness in cats include the following:

• Genetic abnormality: Some kittens have genetic mutations that increase their likelihood of experiencing deafness. White kittens with blue eyes are at a higher risk of deafness for this reason.

• Transplacental infection: If a mother cat develops a harmful infection during pregnancy, the infection can pass through the placenta to the kittens, resulting in hearing loss. Toxoplasmosis is an example of this type of infection.

Acquired causes of deafness in cats include:

• Chronic ear infections: Longstanding ear infections can lead to excessive buildup and inflammation within the ear, affecting hearing. This is especially common in cats who overproduce sebum (an oily substance) in their ears.

• Chronic ear mites: As with infections, ear mites lead to thick buildup that can block the ear canal and prevent the cat from hearing in the affected ear or ears.

• Polyps/tumors: A cat may develop a polyp or benign (non-cancerous) tumor in their inner ear. If it grows large enough, it can block the ear canal and cause hearing loss.

• Medications: Certain medications are associated with toxic effects to the ear canals, which can lead to hearing loss. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs are examples.

• Aging: As cats age, changes within their ears can lead to reduced hearing that eventually progresses to deafness.

• Exposure to anesthesia: Although rare, there have been cases of deafness reported following anesthetic procedures such as dental cleanings.

• Toxin exposure: Some household chemicals and other antiseptic solutions are toxic to the ears and may cause deafness if a cat is exposed. Chlorhexidine is an example of an antiseptic that may have these effects.

• Trauma: Any type of trauma that damages the inner ear can lead to deafness in cats.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Deafness in Cats

To diagnose deafness in cats, a veterinarian will first observe how the cat reacts to sounds and how they move around in the exam room.

During this time, pet parents should discuss any concerns they have about the cat’s behavior at home and why deafness is suspected.

Pet parents should also mention any known recent toxin exposure and any medications their cat is taking.

Hearing loss in both ears (bilateral) is generally straightforward to diagnose since the cat will not respond to loud noises.

However, hearing loss in only one ear is difficult to diagnose and may require a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test, which is performed at specialty veterinary hospitals.

There is no specific preparation for this test, but sedation may be necessary for some patients.

Hearing loss can be diagnosed in 15 minutes or less in most cases.

To determine the underlying cause of deafness, additional testing may be required, which could include:

• Complete otoscopic exam: A veterinarian looks inside the ear canal for signs of blockage and inflammation that may be contributing to hearing loss.

• Neurological exam: A veterinarian checks for signs of damage to specific nerves that travel through the ear and aid in hearing.

• Ear swab: A veterinarian gently collects a sample of discharge from the ear, stains it or adds it to a drop of oil, and then views it underneath the microscope to identify infection or mites.

• Advanced imaging: To visualize the ear canal, a CT scan is used to identify concerning changes that have led to deafness. 

Treatment of Deafness in Cats

Some cases of deafness in cats are irreversible and can’t be treated, such as those involving significant nerve damage within the ear. There is also no cure for kittens who are born deaf.

If hearing loss is due to a blockage within the ear canal, such as excessive ear wax or a polyp, removing this blockage usually restores hearing.

Likewise, if the cat has a severe ear infection, antibiotics such as Clavamox® can be used.

In some cases, topical steroids such as triamcinolone acetonide are effective in reducing inflammation within the ear and promoting healing, which may help restore hearing.

Your veterinarian will determine the best course of treatment, depending on the underlying cause of the deafness and your cat’s overall health.

Recovery and Management of Deafness in Cats

Cats who are born deaf and cats who have lost hearing due to aging will not regain their hearing.

Cats with permanent deafness generally adapt well over time but should always be kept indoors for their safety.

Cats experiencing deafness due to an ear blockage, infection, or inflammation usually fully recover once the underlying cause has been successfully treated.

The timing of recovery for deafness in cats varies greatly, but it can take several weeks to regain hearing in most cases.

If you're adopting a deaf cat, there are a few simple things you can do to provide a safe and comfortable home, such as keeping to a routine and using visual cues with them.

Prevention of Deafness in Cats

Many cases of deafness in cats are not preventable, such as those due to aging or genetic abnormalities. Cats with genetic mutations linked to hearing loss should not be bred.

However, there are ways to reduce the risk of hearing loss in cats.

Avoiding the use of medications known to be toxic to the ears is important.

Most importantly, cats should receive regular veterinary care to identify problems early, such as ear infections that can progress in severity and lead to hearing loss.