We all need to hear so we are aware of what is going on around us and expect to be able to use it especially when to alert us of any dangers. Dogs also need to be able to hear, but it is expected that they can adapt to life without it. While some dogs manage, is there any reason why dogs shouldn't use a hearing aid?

Dogs can live up to a good age and easily reach their teens before long. With good veterinary care and modern medicine they can live to a ripe old age. Just like humans, as they get older, they will suffer from conditions that come with age like their hearing.

You will notice when your dog loses its hearing as suddenly he is less responsive when you call his name or may not look up at all. If he is facing you he is more likely to respond. Or when he is called you find that he is looking in the wrong direction. Other signs are that he is sleeping most of the time, and will only wake when you touch him. You may also notice that he is shaking his head around like a child would with hearing problems, and they start to make a fuss of their ears. This is when a hearing aid could come in handy to help your dog overcome these problems.

This is a clinic in Texas which can give a hearing test to any dogs that are brought in with suspected hearing loss. Once the test has been carried out, the dog's owner will have more of an idea of what hearing loss their dog is diagnosed with and if there are any suitable solutions to help them. The centre offers a plans to help dogs get used to wearing a hearing aid. Over a month the volume of the aid is gradually adjusted to the right level for the dog. The price is about $250 for each aid. The programs are designed to ease a dog gently into wearing a hearing aid and get used to the idea with the least discomfort.

There is a contraption available for dogs as a hearing aid which easily fits onto their collar. The aid comes in a container which is collar mounted, with a tube leading from it to a foam plug which is placed in the dog's ear. This is very much structured like the BTE, that is Behind the Ear, hearing aids. These devices tend to be tolerated by smaller dogs, as the larger dogs don't take to them as well.

There are companies that can offer ITE, In the Ear, hearing aids to suit dogs. A doctor will take a mould of the dog's ear canal, which is then sent on for the laboratory to use and build the human ITE into it. Once that is made the dog has to go through the normal testing before the hearing aid is fitted in his ears, although that could be a difficult step. This is the risk and expense that owners take as some dogs will tolerate a hearing aid and others won't stand for it. Some pet veterinary insurance companies do actually cover the cost of these devices.

A dog is more confident if he can hear his owner's voice. He is also alert to danger around him and can respond when he needs to. Hearing loss can make it confusing for him as he suddenly notices changes in his hearing world. Having a hearing aid will make all the difference and make him happier at coping with life. Any loving dog owner will understand these reasons.