How do dogs hear? A dog's ear does two jobs at once: it collects sound and it helps with balance. The outer ear includes the visible ear flap (the pinna) and the L-shaped ear canal. Sound travels down that canal to the eardrum, passes through the tiny bones of the middle ear, and reaches the inner ear, where structures involved in both hearing and balance turn vibration into nerve signals. Dogs can swivel and tilt their ear flaps to help pinpoint where a sound is coming from — although how much they move varies a lot from a pricked-ear Kelpie to a floppy-eared Cavalier. Keeping that whole pathway clean and comfortable is where a good routine — and the right dog ear cleaner — earns its place.
Why some sounds stand out to your dog
Dogs can detect higher-pitched sounds than people can. That does not mean every dog hears every sound better in every situation: age, ear health, distance, background noise and individual variation all matter. A dog turning its head or rotating one ear may simply be locating a sound — the rattle of the treat jar, a possum on the roof, the ute pulling into the driveway. It is one clue, not a complete measure of hearing.
Ear position is also part of body language, so read it alongside posture, tail, face and context rather than as a stand-alone signal. A new, lopsided ear carriage that comes with scratching or head shaking is more likely to be a comfort problem than a mood.
Look after the part of the ear you can see
When you check your dog's ears, look for a comfortable, familiar appearance rather than trying to reach deep into the canal. Never push cotton buds into the canal — the L-shape means you only pack wax further down. A gentle routine with a dedicated otic solution can be part of basic grooming when cleaning is needed; it does not diagnose or treat an infection.
That is exactly what Pure Majesty Pets Dog Ear Cleaner is built for: a 120 mL, pH-balanced (5.0–5.5), chlorhexidine-free formula with 0.2% salicylic acid to soften wax, 10% aloe and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe, phytosphingosine and allantoin for the ear's natural barrier, and natural cyclodextrin to trap odour rather than mask it with perfume. It is A$43 with free worldwide shipping — orders to Australia ship with duties and GST prepaid (DDP), so there is nothing to pay on delivery.
| Ear cleaner (Australia) | Size | Price seen |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Majesty Pets Dog Ear Cleaner | 120 mL | A$43, delivered DDP |
| Dermcare Otoflush | 125 mL | A$27.47 |
| Virbac EpiOtic SIS | 120 mL | A$23.95 RRP |
| PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner | 120 mL | A$28.87 |
The difference is what is in the bottle: aloe at 10%, B5, a barrier-support lipid and an odour-trapping cyclodextrin in one non-stinging formula, rather than a basic flush.
An Australian extra: check the ears for ticks
If you live anywhere along the eastern seaboard from North Queensland to Victoria, ear checks double as paralysis tick checks. RSPCA Australia recommends daily skin checks, and University of Queensland research found 73% of paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) on pets were on the head and neck — so run your fingers around and inside the ear flaps every day. Hind-leg weakness, a change in bark, retching or drooling are emergencies: see a vet straight away.
Notice changes over time
Compare your dog's responses in ordinary, low-stress situations. A sudden change, repeated head shaking, odour, discharge, redness, pain or balance trouble is different from simply ignoring a cue and deserves a veterinary assessment. Don't test hearing with loud noises, which can frighten or harm a dog. Keep notes on what changed and when — including swimming at the beach, baths and products used — and share them with your vet if the pattern persists.
For the bigger picture, read our complete dog ear health guide and our guide to choosing a dog ear cleaning solution.
Frequently asked questions
Can ear position tell me exactly how my dog feels?
No. Read the ears together with posture, movement, facial expression and context. A new, painful-looking ear position may be a health change rather than a mood.
How often should I clean a healthy dog's ears?
Only as often as the ear needs it. For most dogs, 2–3 times a week keeps ears clean; floppy-eared breeds and swimmers often need more. A comfortable ear with no debris may not need cleaning at all.
Does Pure Majesty Pets Dog Ear Cleaner ship to Australia?
Yes. A 120 mL bottle is A$43 with free worldwide shipping, and orders to Australia ship with duties and GST prepaid, so there is nothing extra to pay on delivery.
Give your dog clean, comfortable ears
Understanding how the ear works makes routine checks calmer and more useful. Make the clean-up the easy part: order Pure Majesty Pets Dog Ear Cleaner for A$43 — free shipping, duties and GST prepaid.
Sources
Merck Veterinary Manual: Ear Structure and Function in Dogs · RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: tick paralysis · University of Queensland: paralysis ticks prefer heads and necks
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian about any change in your dog's hearing, balance or ear comfort.