A loud noise may still have repercussions that can be felt. Last night I was pretty sure that the two hams were talking behind my back....lol
Pooky was out playing, and Ziggy was in his cage, staring out and pacing in our direction. Which is just odd behavoir for him. He doesn't check things out unless he's really interested or wants to come out.
Perhaps it was only scenting that spurred it, though. He did seem engrossed, he was staring very directly in our direction, though.
I imagine a well cared for hammy would still be fine if deaf. Blind hams manage in captivitiy...I'm sure they would be adjusted to it. In this neighborhood though, there are frequent fireworks at certain times of the year, including gun fire....as well as busy city noises. Zig doesn't even flinch when fireworks go off that make me twitch....? go figure....
I don't think Ziggy's deaf, though. I think it's more of a 'I can't hear you! lalalalalalalalalalaa! syndrome....