I wonder if anybody knows whether it is possible (and if so what's involved) in testing how much hearing loss a dog has.

I feel that my 11 year old Aussie is suffering some hearing loss but I can't tell how much is selective (it's not convenient right now mum) or real loss. There are a number of factors which make me convinced he has some hearing loss - not least  is how much better he was this year regarding fire works which are normally a major ordeal but this year were only a serious problem when they involved houses in the neighbourhood. On walks it seems to me that if he is close then all is fine but at a reasonable distance he doesn't hear if his mind is too much on other things but it's hard to tell if this is selective. I am using quality treats (liver cake, cheese etc) which I know he wants and his reaction when I get cross gives me the impression that he might not have heard me, although I think it is an excuse some of the time. He lives and is run with two younger, fit Aussies and is certainly very intelligent. This could mean that he is picking up signals as to sounds from the other dogs but could also mean that he has got even better at manipulating me. He's always been good at manipulating me but over the years I've got pretty good at reading him too.

I would really like to know one way or another whether he has real hearing loss and just how bad it is. Does any one have any ideas.

CURRENT TESTING CENTRES

ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST: Centre For Small Animal Studies, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU
Telephone (01638) 552700) Fax (01638) 555600
Clinics Tuesdays and Thrusdays - however the Animal Health Trust prides itself on being flexible and will try to accomodate those wishing to have BAER tests at other times.

ROYAL DICK VETERINARY:
Royal Dick Veterinary College, Edinburgh : Hearing Test sessions every 1st Wednesday in the month.
Appointments must come via your own Vet.
Cost: Puppies £16 each plus vat.
Adults £42 plus vat IF they require sedation.

THE HEARING ASSESSMENT CLINIC, WINCHESTER:
Celia L. Cox B.Vet.Med. Cert. V.R. F.R.C.V.S.
The Hearing Assessment Clinic, Red Lane House, Shawford, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2AA
Tel: 01962 713155 - Web Site: http://www.btinternet.com/~cox.hear

REFERRAL CENTRE, WOKING:
Miss S. Fitzmaurice BVSc., MRCVS, DipACVIM(neurology), DipECVM
American & European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
For details and appointments ring: 01483 729194
VALE VETS, ANIMAL HOSP., STINCHCOMBE, nr DURSLEY, GLOS. Tel. for appts 01453 542 092, Vet. nurse in charge will give you details. The Vet will be Miss S. Fitzmaurice BVSc., MRCVS, DipACVIM(neurology), DipECVM They hope to be testing there once a month.

CRANMORE VETERINARY REFERRALS:
Cranmore Veterinary Centre,
140 Chester Road, Childer Thornton, S. Wirral, Ch66 1QN, Tel:01244 853823
Appointments for testing at almost any time. Judith Skerritt
CHURCH FARM VETERINARY CLINIC:
Neston Road, Willaston S. Wiral CH64 2TL
Clinics held in KENT as required.
G.C.Skerritt, BVSc, DipECVN, FRCVS, RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
For details and appointments contact:01244 853823
Charges for BAER test are £20.00 +VAT. Sedation is used only when strictly necessary in adult dogs and is charged in addition (price depends on bodyweight). Clip electrodes or needle electrodes available

Mr Pitt-Boydell, Manchester: Tel: 0161 881 3329

In addition, sessions are organised around the Country periodically, in response to the number of litters. For more information or to book a test at the next session contact Mrs Mary Greening. Telephone: 01952 691518

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AHT Leaflet:
This is the first leaflet produced by the AHT.
(Click here to see the second, updated AHT leaflet)

The Animal Health Trust
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, England
Direct Telephone (01638 552700) Fax (01638) 555600 Main Switchboard (01638) 751000

Centre for Small Animal Studies

CANINE HEARING TESTS - THE BAER

What does BAER stand for?

BAER stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response. This is the electrical response of the patient's brain to a series of clicks passed into each car in turn through a headphone.

How do you record the response?

Tiny, fine acupuncture-like needle electrodes that are slipped under the skin on the dog's scalp pick up the electrical activity of the brain in response to the click. This is shown as a recognisable pattern on a small TV-type screen.

Does it hurt?

In most cases, the patient does not react at all to the placing of the electrodes, some pups even remain asleep during this process. However, if it should cause a squeak, this is only momentary, and the patient settles down again straight away. This is a far quicker and more satisfactory way of obtaining the information than using stick-on surface electrodes, which would involve clipping the hair and degreasing the skin to get a good contact.

Can the test be done whilst the dog is conscious?

Yes, in nearly all cases, the test is done on a fully conscious animal. We do not sedate puppies being screened at 5-8 weeks of age, and many adults will sit still for long enough to acquire the trace we need. However, some patients are very wriggly or tense, therefore it can be necessary to give a light sedative to allow a good trace to be recorded. ALL ANIMALS SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY FOOD ON THE DAY OF THEIR TEST TO AVOID ANY SICKNESS WHICH MAY SOMETIMES BE RELATED TO SEDATION. They can be given water, however.

How long does the test take?

If the patient is co-operative, a trace can be obtained from each ear in around five minutes. However, it may take a little longer in cases where the dog does not settle, or if the trace needs to be repeated for any reason. If sedation is used, it takes 15-20 minutes for it to take effect before trying to obtain a trace. Average consultations last about 30-45 minutes. For puppy screening, it takes about an hour for every 5 puppies, so a litter of 7 puppies should take around 90 minutes.

Can I stay with my dog?

Yes, in most cases it helps the dog to settle if it knows a familiar person is with them - very often the owner will be the one holding and stroking the dog whilst the test is carried out. Of course, if you would prefer not to do this, that's all right too!

How much does the test cost?

For a simple screening hearing test without sedation, it costs £16.00 + VAT per animal. If sedation is required, the cost is £42.00 + VAT per animal. If the test is part of a Clinical examination, there may be a charge for professional fees.

Will I get any kind of documentation after the test?

You will get a paper copy of the trace and a Certificate signed by the attending clinician stating the hearing status of your dog(s).

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Thanks a lot this is precisely what I want and Newmarket is certainly not out of the question. I'll give them a ring in the new year.