Potentially deaf hamster???

[catemaryeileen]

Hi,
I recently bought a hamster from Pets at Home. When I got him they said he was 8 weeks old, but we think he was actually 6. Three weeks in, he has never once lifted his ears- they stay right back against his fur almost as if they weren't there. Now my mum has just pointed out that he doesn't respond to clicks, squeaks, claps, whistles, shouts or any other sound that we have tried. I don't know if tis is because he isn't using his ears or something but I am concerned! Any help would be greatly appreciated! I have attached pictures of my hamster- called Mole- for reference

[SKB_Hamsters]

Hi, I would recommend taking your hamster to a vet if possible as they will be able to determine whether Mole is deaf or not? My hamster sometimes keeps her ears back when she has just woken up, but she still responds to sounds. Also from the pictures it looks like his eyes are shut, have you seen him with his eyes open? (By Mole being black it is hard to see his ears in the pictures).

But Mole is really cute, and I hope everything will be ok with him. He does look small so he maybe he was 6 weeks old when you got him but it's hard to tell exactly what age he is as they normally range between 6 to 8 weeks in pet shops.

[Cinnamon Bear]

You could try talking baby talk close to her & see if you get any response (change in behavior?)

[WinnieTheHam]

Sometimes hamsters have their ears back if they're unwell, I'd definitely take him to the vets.

[cypher]

I agree a visit to the vet would be a good idea & that ears back is often a sign of not being well.
He still looks really young & tiny in those photos too.