We offer comprehensive hearing test services at the RVC for litters of puppies and kittens (ideally 6-7 weeks old) – these appointments can be booked directly by the breeder or from the referring (general practice) vet. Adult dogs and cats where deafness is suspected and/or other ear issues – these appointments must be booked by the referring (general practice) vet.

Who conducts the pet hearing tests at the RVC?

Animal hearing clinic appointments are conducted by a board-certified veterinary neurologist supported by expert neurology nurses at the RVC. If further treatment may be needed, we are supported by our dermatology, soft tissue surgery and neurology teams.

Where are the animal hearing clinic appointments held?

These are held at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital in Hertfordshire

Who can book appointments for the animal hearing clinic?

How do we detect hearing loss or deafness at the hearing clinic?

We use a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) electrodiagnostic tool. This creates auditory stimuli and then records the resulting electrical activity in the hearing system to assess hearing and brainstem function in patients.

These electrical signals are displayed as waveforms on the connected computer screen, allowing clinicians to analyse their size and shape to determine auditory pathway function.

How long does the BAER test take?

It normally takes around 10 minutes

How old must the dog or cat be to have a hearing test?

BAER testing for congenital deafness is carried out from around 5 weeks of age. The ideal age is 6-7.5 weeks old.  Hearing tests can be conducted at any age after that, but the animal may require sedation if they are very anxious or excitable.

How much do animal hearing tests cost?

See our canine and feline pages for the latest prices

Canine Hearing Loss and Deafness → Feline Hearing Loss and Deafness →