Sudden Hearing Loss and Brown Wax in an Older Dog

Hearing loss from aging usually comes on slowly, over months or years. A big change in just a few days is more likely to have another cause, and some of those can be treated. A plug of wax or debris, an ear infection, or a problem in the middle or inner ear can all reduce hearing quickly.

Brown, waxy material can be normal wax, but a build-up, especially with odor, redness or scratching, often points to a yeast or bacterial ear infection. Please don't push cotton swabs or anything else into her ear canal, because that can pack the wax deeper. Your vet can look down the canal with an otoscope, check that the ear drum is intact, and clean the ear safely if needed.

See your vet soon, and go the same day if she has a head tilt, loses her balance, walks in circles, her eyes flick from side to side, or one side of her face droops. Those signs suggest a middle or inner ear problem. While you wait, approach her where she can see you, use hand signals, and touch her gently so you don't startle her.

See hearing and hearing loss in dogs and dog ear wax and discharge.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.