Noise sensitivity is an emotional response - the dog hears the sound clearly but perceives it as threatening, triggering fear behaviours like hiding, panting, or trembling. Hearing problems involve structural or neurological changes that affect how sound is detected or processed, such as age-related deafness, ear infections, or damage to the inner ear.
Why they look similar
Both can cause unusual reactions to sound. A deaf dog might startle more because they cannot hear you approaching, while a noise-sensitive dog might startle at the same footsteps due to anxiety. Dogs with partial hearing loss may seem selectively responsive - ignoring their name but reacting to the fridge door - which owners sometimes misinterpret as stubbornness rather than inconsistent sound detection.
Hearing loss can increase noise sensitivity
Counter-intuitively, some dogs with declining hearing become more noise-sensitive. When sounds arrive distorted or without warning, sudden loud noises feel more threatening because the dog cannot anticipate them. Research shows that sensory changes, including hearing decline, can contribute to increased anxiety in older dogs (1).
How vets differentiate
A vet can test hearing using brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing, which measures electrical activity in the auditory pathway. Noise sensitivity is diagnosed through behavioral observation - does the dog react specifically to loud or sudden sounds with fear behaviors, or do they fail to respond to sounds at normal volumes? Timing matters too: noise sensitivity often worsens around predictable events like fireworks season, while hearing loss is consistent.
Older dogs may develop both conditions simultaneously. Cognitive decline and hearing changes can lower stress tolerance while physical hearing loss creates unpredictability, compounding anxiety around sounds.
References
- Salonen M, Sulkama S, Mikkola S, et al. Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Sci Rep. 2020;10:2962. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59837-z
This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.
