Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER), Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
Puppies of many breeds of dogs may be born with deafness of one or both ears (congenital deafness): Akita, American-Canadian Shepherd, American Eskimo, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Border Collie, Borzoi, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Dalmatian, Dappled Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, Dogo Argentino, English Bulldog, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, Foxhound, Fox Terrier, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Ibizan Hound, Italian Greyhound, Jack Russel Terrier, Kuvacz, Labrador Retriever, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle, Mongrel, Norwegian Dunkerhound, Nova Scotia Duch Tolling Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Papillon, Pit Bull Terrier, Pointer, Puli, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Shropshire Terrier, Siberian Husky, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Springer Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Poodle, Walker American Foxhound, West Highland White Terrier, Whippet, Yorkshire Terrier.
Causes of congenital deafness
In dogs the merle and piebald genes have been associated with congenital deafness. In cats deafness is associated with white hair color and studies indicate that white cats with a blue irises have a higher incidence of congenital deafness than white cats with non-blue irises. For further information on deafness in dogs please visit Professor Strain’s website: www.lsu.edu/deafness/deaf.htm For further information on deafness in cats please visit Feline Advisory Bureau's website: www.fabcats.org/breeders/inherited_disorders/neurological.php
About the BEAR Test
Objective electrophysiological testing of hearing function has been performed on dogs and cats routinely since the 1980’ies. The BAER test evaluates the animals response to stimulation with loud sound. Sound is delivered directly into the ear-canal and the response to sound is “captured” with sophisticated equipment that shows the electrical response (cochlear and brain) (in milli volts). In some patients bone-conduction BAER may be used to differentiate between conductive vs cochlear dysfunction.The BAER test protocol approved by the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org) is used.
Testing is available at: Jennyhill Djurklinik – Specialistvard for hund och katt Hordalsvagen 152 260 60 Kvidinge Sweden Phone: +46 435 481130 Fax: +46 435 25153 www.jennyhilldjurklinik.se
Please call the clinic ahead for booking of a BAER test. Sedation may be necessary in some animals. Dogs must be at least 35 days old at the time of BAER testing.

References:

1. Strain GM: Congenital Deafness and Its Recognition. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 1999.