Acquired deafness in cats

Acquired deafness in cats


Cats are especially attuned to their environment due — in large part — to their sensitive hearing. So, what happens when a cat becomes deaf?

Older cats most often lose their hearing from traumatic injury or inner ear infections. Less commonly, tumors, drug toxicity, viral disease or nerve degeneration are to blame, but these conditions often present with other symptoms, too.

Cats that become deaf stop responding to sounds and often start meowing more often and louder. Many become more needy, wanting to be near their human parents.

Tests can be done to assess hearing in cats, but most times deafness is irreversible — that is, unless an infection can be resolved or a tumor removed. Fortunately, most deaf cats adjust to their quiet worlds as long as they’re happy, healthy and in their set routine.

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