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Could He Be Deaf?

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MycuteBoys

MycuteBoys

Adult Guinea Pig
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I'm really starting to wonder is my pip is deaf, he does not seem to hear me at all he never talks (we think we have heard him wheek just the once) the only sound he does make is rumbling at his brother from time to time apart from that he is quite. Hes not in discomfort or pain I'm sure of that.
He is nervous and seems a little shocked to see us as if he has not heard us coming. Does anyone on here have a deaf piggy any info is very grateful.
Kell.
 
Have you tried clicking your fingers behind him? I have never had a deaf piggy so I have not experienced that. I would imagine if he is deaf that you would need to approach him from the front so he knows your coming. My bunny may be deaf and this is what I do for him.
 
Deaf piggies happen and they can lead as happy a life as a normal piggy.

You can check by making a sharp sound behind him when he is sitting on your lap (make sure that he cannot jump off your knees, though!). I would also check whether he is reacting to visual clues, like you hand waving in front of his eyes at the same time.

Hearing is one of the stronger guinea pig senses, so you need to give him more visual or smelly cues or gently establish a little "It's me here" touch gesture to get his attention.
 
Thank you for your replies @piggyfan and @Wiebke , Ive tried the clicking my fingers near him with mixed results over the last week, ive just tried putting him on my lap sitting on the floor i spent a few minutes stroking him and then I clapped very loudly behind him he didn't jump or look around but he twitch his ears in response which was great to see (not that having a deaf piggy would be an issue at all). He is clearly not totally deaf but I do think he may have very poor hearing. I thought about his sight but that seems ok he does not have an issue with bumping into things, finding his way etc which is great. Should i get him checked by the vet? He is not I'll in any way at all.
 
He sounds like my bunny. Faisel responds to sounds like the door closing but not my voice. The vet said his ear drums are ruptured. I have no idea how that could have happened. Luckily losing their hearing does not mean they cannot have a happy life.
 
I wonder if pip is like this because he was so ill as a baby, his mum could of even of been ill with the ringworm, lice and nights herself whilst pregnant.
 
my cat is deaf and you can walk up right behind her and she will then jump when she notices you - I know she is no good with airborne noises (speech etc) but can 'feel' impact sounds (doors and windows closing etc) - hopefully if Pips sense of smell is good that will compensate for not being able to see his food. :)
 
smileyface:) said:
my cat is deaf and you can walk up right behind her and she will then jump when she notices you - I know she is no good with airborne noises (speech etc) but can 'feel' impact sounds (doors and windows closing etc) - hopefully if Pips sense of smell is good that will compensate for not being able to see his food. :)
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I've noticed if I knock gently on the underside of his bedroom he comes down :) so he must be responding to vibrations most of the time. He's so cute, just very strange having a piggy that makes no noise at all. I will ask the vet to check his ears next time we have a visit.
Thank you, Kell
 
I am going to have to try a whistle to call my deaf cat - would that work with a piggie?! :lol: maybe there are still some sounds that us humans can make that the piggie might still hear :)
 
He's proberly got the male 'selective hearing' gene ha ha.
smileyface:) said:
my cat is deaf and you can walk up right behind her and she will then jump when she notices you - I know she is no good with airborne noises (speech etc) but can 'feel' impact sounds (doors and windows closing etc) - hopefully if Pips sense of smell is good that will compensate for not being able to see his food. :)
Click to expand...
Bless her, I love cats :)
 
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