Why Is My Senior Tabby Suddenly Having Trouble Hearing? (Vet Answered)

Hi Brenna,

Thanks for writing in. I'm sorry to hear that Duster's been having some issues.

You're right to suspect that the hearing loss could be linked to the sinus infection, as the middle ear is linked to the sinuses through the Eustachian tube, so infection or congestion affecting one may also affect the other. It's possible that the recurrent sinusitis has damaged the auditory nerves, or that the inflammation, swelling, or mucous build-up is muffling sounds.

It's also possible that Duster's hearing is simply fading with age. As they get older, their ability to pick up softer or higher-frequency sounds diminishes, just like with us. Sometimes it's very subtle, but some cats are more noticeably affected.

Of course, it could be a combination of both!

I would certainly be asking the vet to have a good look in his ears to make sure there is no sign of infection or inflammation in the canals (otitis externa), but don't put anything into the ears until they've been checked.

If the hearing loss is permanent, it's not the end of the world, and Duster will adapt to this change. You might notice that he becomes more vocal, and cats that can't hear well (or at all) often look for reassurance that their human is still nearby, so checking in on them and talking to them loudly can help with this.

If Duster goes outside, I would try to limit this as much as possible, ideally keeping him indoors, as his ability to hear cars or other animals will be affected, making him more vulnerable to attacks or traffic accidents.

Because the nerves responsible for controlling balance (vestibular nerves) are located in the inner ear, infection or inflammation in this area can also affect these nerves, so if you notice any sudden changes like a head tilt, circling, or ataxia (unsteady gait), contact the vet immediately.

I hope this helps!

Dr Karyn