Age-related hearing loss in common in dogs. Here are some ways to help them deal with it.

As our pets age, they may start to lose their hearing. My dog, Romeo, is 15 years old and completely deaf, and I’ve learned firsthand through having two previous deaf dogs how to help him live comfortably in this stage of his life.

The most common form of deafness in dogs is known as age-related hearing loss. Most dogs experience some degree of age-related hearing loss in their golden years. It often begins by affecting middle to high frequencies but impacts the entire range of sounds as it progresses.

While hearing loss caused by aging can’t be reversed, there are many ways we can support our pets and make life easier for them — and for us.

GET AN EAR EXAM: The first step is making sure the hearing loss is truly age-related. A veterinarian can rule out other causes, such as ear infect