Every Pomeranian I’ve rescued has needed some form of extra love, whether it’s medication, physical therapy, or special attention for their Pomeranian health. Today’s story is about my sweet Pomeranian, Sophia, and how I discovered she was going deaf—and her amazing ability to “read lips.”
Discovering Sophia’s Hearing Loss
When I first rescued Sophia, I thought she was the cutest little thing! Her foster mom had named her Tinkerbell, but I didn’t think that name matched her personality, so I immediately renamed her Sophia. However, I quickly noticed something odd—she wasn’t responding to her new name as quickly as my other Pomeranians.
At first, I thought it was just a matter of getting used to her new name, so I kept calling her, thinking she’d eventually catch on. A few days went by, and I realized that she wasn’t responding to my voice at all. Concerned, I started doing some simple tests at home to see if she might be a Pomeranian going deaf.
I stood behind her and snapped my fingers, hoping her ears would perk up. Nothing. I turned on my iPod to see if music would catch her attention. Again, nothing. That’s when I started to wonder if Sophia could hear at all.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Pomeranian is Going Deaf
I took Sophia to the vet to confirm my suspicions. I wanted to know if she was deaf or if there was something else going on. The vet explained that the only definitive way to test a dog’s hearing is through a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test.
The BAER test uses a computer to record the brain’s electrical activity in response to sound. While it doesn’t measure the full range of a dog’s hearing, it can determine if your dog has hearing within the normal human range. According to The Deaf Dog Education Action Fund, this test is the standard for diagnosing hearing loss in dogs.
Deciding Not to Pursue the BAER Test
Unfortunately, my vet didn’t offer the BAER test, and I decided not to pursue it elsewhere. By then, I was certain Sophia was going deaf. She didn’t respond to normal speaking voices, though strangely, her ears would perk up in response to loud noises.
It was clear that Sophia couldn’t hear well, if at all, but I didn’t want her hearing loss to get in the way of our connection. So, I set out to teach her new ways to communicate.
Teaching Hand Signals to a Pomeranian Going Deaf
Determined to communicate with Sophia, I began teaching her hand signals. Pomeranians are incredibly smart, and even at 12 years old, Sophia was quick to learn. She now knows how to do a little dance with a hand command, as well as sit and lay down. It just goes to show that even an older dog can learn new tricks!
Sophia’s Unique Ability to “Read Lips”
One of the most remarkable things I’ve discovered about Sophia is her ability to “read lips.” Yes, you read that right—Sophia has figured out how to read my lips!
Here’s how it works: Sophia often comes over to me while I’m at my desk and sits at my feet, barking for attention. But here’s the interesting part—she only barks once and then waits for me to respond. I’ve learned to “bark back” by silently opening and closing my mouth. Since she can’t hear, she thinks I’m barking back at her, and she responds with another single bark.
This playful back-and-forth goes on for several “barks” until she eventually lays down and does a little dance, signaling me to come down to her level and play. It’s a game we’ve developed, and it’s so heartwarming to see how she’s adapted to her hearing loss in such a clever way.
What to Check Before Assuming Deafness
If your Pomeranian isn’t responding to your voice, it’s important to check for other possible causes before assuming they are going deaf. The first thing you should do is ensure their ears aren’t full of wax. A simple buildup of earwax can block sound and make it seem like your dog is losing their hearing when, in fact, they just need a good ear cleaning.
If you’ve ruled out earwax and your Pomeranian still isn’t responding to sound, it may be time to consult with your vet to discuss the possibility of hearing loss.
Loving a Pomeranian Going Deaf
Can you hear me, Miss Tortoise?
Discovering that Sophia was going deaf didn’t change the love or bond we share—it only deepened it. Learning how to communicate in new ways, from hand signals to “lip reading,” has been a rewarding experience. Pomeranians are so smart and resilient, and with a little patience, they can continue to live happy, fulfilling lives even with hearing loss.
If you suspect your Pomeranian might be going deaf, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of ways to adapt and continue building a strong bond with your furry friend. Whether it’s through teaching hand signals, using visual cues, or simply offering them extra love and care, your Pomeranian will appreciate the effort—and so will you.