General considerations
Quite unlike the eye, which we have already established is not the dog’s most important organ, the ear is of great value. The sense of hearing in dogs is very well developed, especially compared to humans. Dogs can hear sounds which we humans can’t. In fact, it is this acute sense of hearing (detecting noises at higher frequencies) that causes dogs to go berserk when squibs/firecrackers explode in their immediate environment. The noise, in addition to being frightening, is actually painful to their ear drums. Dogs tend to run and hide in a walled room (eg bathroom or a cupboard) to escape the terrifying loudness.
There are those who believe that dogs chase cars, with great ferocity and anger, because of the aggravating noise the tyres make on the asphalt. Of course, this well-developed sense of hearing serves the dog in good stead vis-à-vis his surroundings, especially in times of danger.
How do pets hear?
The Great Designer was at his/her best in developing the anatomy that is associated with hearing. It begins with the ear flap (external ear structure called the Pinna). The air vibrates – that’s what sound/ noise is. The air vibration bounces off the