Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Also known as: Angeborener Hörverlust · Sensorineural Deafness · Congenital Sensorineural Deafness · Erbliche Taubheit · Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness · …
Overview
What it is
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
How it presents
Owners typically notice signs of deafness in early puppyhood, as affected dogs do not respond to sounds, sleep very deeply, and may startle easily when touched. Puppies might also bark unusually or fail to react to their littermates.
Treatment
There is no cure for congenital deafness, making it a lifelong condition. While there are no direct medical treatments, owners typically spend between 100 and 1000 EUR on specialized training, hand-signal education, or safety aids like vibration collars.
How it's tested
BAER-Hörtest(BAER)
Primary testhearingBrainstem Auditory Evoked Response: objektiver Hörtest, erkennt einseitige und beidseitige Taubheit.
Issuing body: BAER
Result scheme: BAER
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
24 of 52 breeds
Mandatory testAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Mandatory testBasset Fauve de Bretagne
Mandatory testBriard
Mandatory testCatahoula Leopard Dog
Mandatory testChow Chow
Mandatory testDogo Argentino
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Longhair)
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)
Mandatory testGerman Hound
Mandatory testGriffon Fauve de Bretagne
Mandatory testJagdterrier
Mandatory testKorean Jindo
Mandatory testMiniature Bull Terrier
Mandatory testNorwegian Buhund
Mandatory testSmooth-haired Dachshund
Mandatory testTibetan Spaniel
Mandatory testWire-haired Dachshund
RecommendedAustralian Cattle Dog
RecommendedAustralian Shepherd
RecommendedBeagle
RecommendedBeauceron
RecommendedBerger Picard
RecommendedBorder Collie
RecommendedBoston Terrier
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Congenital deafness?
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
How is Congenital deafness tested?
Tests currently in our database: BAER-Hörtest, Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Briard, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dutch Shepherd (Longhair), Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired).