where can i get a hearing aid for my dog?
the hobbit asked:
my dog is on his last legs and i know his hearing is nearly gone i’d like to make him happy in his last days as i’ve had him for 16 years now can anyone help?
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my dog is on his last legs and i know his hearing is nearly gone i’d like to make him happy in his last days as i’ve had him for 16 years now can anyone help?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
What About Hearing Aids?
The question is frequently asked whether hearing aids are available for deaf animals. In recent years hearing aids have become increasingly sophisticated, but at the bottom line all aids are merely sound amplifiers. They boost sound so that any residual hearing can better detect the sound. Since most congenital deafness in animals is pigment-associated, and the ear is totally deaf, no amount of amplification makes the sound available to the animal. Thus in these cases an aid would never be of benefit.
Several investigators have developed hearing aids for use in dogs where residual auditory function remains – most notably Dr. A.E. Marshall at Auburn University in Alabama. He placed used human aids in a collar-mounted container, and led a plastic tube from the aid that terminated in a foam plug placed in the ear canal – since the aids would not remain in the dog’s canal. He reported that smaller breeds tolerated the presence of a foam plug in the ear better than large breed dogs, but not all small dogs were tolerant. Due to the high cost of the units and the uncertainty of acceptance, my personal recommendation has never been in favor of attempting use in dogs with partial hearing loss. [Note: Dr. Marshall no longer has units available, but will advise veterinarians making their own.] Although an owner may empathize with a pet’s deafness, the reality is that most deaf dogs and cats give no evidence of being bothered by their deafness, and adapt quite well, relying on their other senses. It is incumbent on the owner, however, to protect a deaf pet from undetected dangers, such as motor vehicles, and to protect people (especially small children) from reflexive dog bites after being startled.
Questions have also been raised about the feasibility of cochlear prostheses or cochlear implants in dogs. These devices are implanted in deaf humans, with a bundle of stimulating electrodes inserted surgically into one of the coils of the cochlea. Because the nerves from the cochlea into the brain usually remain after loss of the hair cells of the cochlea, they may still be capable of responding to stimulation. Deaf Dalmatians were used in the development of these devices, but no one is presently implanting them in client cases. The devices cost $20K - $25K before the costs of the surgery itself, and considerable post-implant training is required. As a result these devices are not practical in deaf dogs or cats.
While an animal’s sense of sight and smell certainly compensate for their hearing loss, the in-the-ear (ITE) aids allow dogs and cats to hear familiar sounds such as their owner’s voice or pending danger. For some animals, the aids may enable them to live longer lives since they are no longer depressed about the sudden change in their environment.
Veterinary Pet Insurance has been enriching the lives of dogs and cats since 1982. As the nation’s oldest and largest pet insurance medical insurance company, Veterinary Pet Insurance is constantly looking at new ways to continue providing pet owners with financial assistance in times of illness or accident. Jack Stephens, DVM, President and Founder of Veterinary Pet Insurance said, “If a veterinarian believes that hearing aids will assist the dog or cat we want to help the pet owner with the expense.” Hearing aids for dogs and cats are another example of how today’s technological advances in veterinary medicine are allowing pets to live longer, more rewarding lives.
One customer said, “I sure wish human medical plans were as good to hearing-impaired people as Veterinary Pet Insurance is to dogs and cats.”
For more info, see.
Silent News, June 2000
Hearing aids for dogs insurance information
Depending on use, hearing aids need to be replaced every 5 years. The new BTE aids Robin plans to purchase this summer will cost approximately $2,500 each and like thousands of other hearing aid wearers, she will have to pay the entire $5,000 herself.
On the other hand, if any of Robin’s three dogs need hearing aids, they will be covered under their Veterinary Pet Insurance medical plan. The Advantage Plus and Gold Plans not only cover the cost of the hearing aids, but also testing and fitting. Most human medical plans do not cover the hearing test, let alone the aids, even though without them the majority of wearers would be unable to function in society.
While an animal’s sense of sight and smell certainly compensate for their hearing loss, the in-the-ear (ITE) aids allow dogs and cats to hear familiar sounds such as their owners’ voice or pending danger. For some animals, the aids may enable them to live longer lives since they are no longer depressed about the sudden change in their environment.
Read more about hearing aids for dog breeds
Learn tons of information about the many types of hearing aids.
This web site is designed to help navigate you through the process of selecting, sizing and purchasing hearing aids. Find the history of hearing aids and the various styles and major manufacturers by browsing around this site.
Check for special discounts or coupons. Many hearing aids retailers and manufacturers offer discounts for volume. Retailers want to build a long term relationship with you, in hopes you become a repeat customer. If the hearing aids site has a newsletter then we’d encourage you to subscribe. Retailers want to keep their customers up to date via newsletters and coupons. This is one way whereby you can be informed of bargains and opportunities.
April 4th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I’d give him mine, But it won’t work for an animal.
I’m half deaf, and use two…but I’d be more than happy to give it up if it would work…..Sorry about your dog.
April 5th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I’m sure your dog didn’t just lose his hearing over night. Even though he may be partially deaf he has adapted to his hearing loss. Why would you want to put an unfamiliar object in this poor 16 year old dog’s ear that would only be more of a discomfort for him than a help. You can reassure him with your touch instead of your voice. By now you are probably petting him to let him know you are near. As long as he is with you in his last days, that’s all he wants, not a hearing aid. I think the hearing aid is more for your benefit than the dog.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Dogs do fine as thet lose hearing and sight. He does not need a hearing aid.
April 9th, 2009 at 5:13 am
I would let him enjoy his last days without trying to make him wear any hearing aid or amplfiication. You have heard the expression, “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? At this stage in his life it would be a distraction to have something new and different to get used to.
Just be sure to gently nudge him if he is asleep so you don’t scare him. Make sure you get his attention visually when you want to speak to him.
Love him and he will be happy.