BAER Testing for Deafness in Dogs: Reliable Hearing Assessment

BAER testing, standing for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response, is a reliable diagnostic procedure used to detect deafness in dogs by measuring electrical brain activity in response to sounds. This noninvasive test plays a crucial role in pinpointing hearing loss that is either inherited or acquired, offering much-needed clarity for owners and breeders alike.

This test is widely acknowledged by veterinary professionals as the most accurate method to definitively diagnose deafness in dogs. It plays back sounds, usually clicks, and measures the brain’s response within the range of human hearing. However, some dogs diagnosed as deaf with BAER may still perceive very high-frequency sounds that humans cannot hear.

BAER testing is particularly valuable for breeds at higher risk of hereditary deafness such as the Dalmatian puppies. It is also important for dogs with coat patterns like the merle in collies, which may predispose them to deafness. The test allows breeders to identify affected puppies early and exclude affected or carriers from breeding to promote healthier future generations.

Why Is BAER Testing Important for Your Dog?

For breeds with a known increased incidence of deafness, BAER testing before rehoming is a responsible step to ensure the hearing capabilities of each puppy. This is vital not only for the welfare of the individual dog but also for the integrity of breeding programmes aiming to reduce hereditary deafness.

Testing adult dogs suspected of hearing loss is equally important. Deafness, whether partial or complete, affects training methods and safety measures, as affected dogs may miss important environmental cues such as oncoming traffic or commands. Early diagnosis via BAER testing helps owners adapt care and communication approaches effectively.

When Should BAER Testing Be Performed?

BAER testing can be done at any age, but it is ideally timed between 5 and 7 weeks of age in puppies of at-risk breeds. This period aligns with their developmental stage, ensuring their ear canals are fully open and their auditory system responsive.

Testing should not occur too early, as very young puppies are naturally born deaf, and their ear canals usually open only after two weeks old. Testing adult dogs is also useful to identify acquired hearing loss or to confirm suspected deafness for better management.

How Is the BAER Test Conducted?

The procedure involves placing small electrodes on your dog's head to measure brain electrical responses to sounds delivered via headphones or earphones. Typically, the test uses click sounds within the human hearing range, with the animal usually awake but sometimes lightly sedated to keep them still.

BAER testing is performed by specialist veterinarians equipped with the appropriate technology. For those seeking a test, The Kennel Club provides resources to find accredited veterinary centres in the UK capable of conducting BAER testing reliably and ethically.

Interpreting BAER Test Results

The results of a BAER test are straightforward and indicate whether each ear is capable of hearing:

• Bilaterally affected: The dog is completely deaf in both ears.
• Unilaterally affected: Deaf in one ear, normal hearing in the other.
• Unaffected: Normal hearing in both ears.

BAER testing distinguishes complete deafness but does not detect partial hearing loss or reduced sensitivity. Owners of unaffected dogs may still need to observe and assess their pet’s hearing ability beyond the test, as normal results indicate only the ability to hear, not the acuity of hearing.

Promoting Responsible Breeding and Ownership

Incorporating BAER testing into breeding programmes helps reduce the incidence of deafness within susceptible breeds, privileging the health and wellbeing of dogs and their future owners. Responsible breeders will always share test results with potential owners and use the information to avoid breeding from affected or carrier dogs.

Owners should be compassionate and proactive if their dog is diagnosed with deafness. Training methods relying on visual cues and tactile signals can be highly effective. Providing a safe, enriched environment and understanding the unique needs of deaf dogs fosters a happy and fulfilling life for these special companions.

For further reading and sourcing reliable breeders or testing centres, you can visit The Kennel Club's BAER testing page.