Ed, the "curve" in the ear canal of the ferret is actually a 90 degree
turn. It has been well-documented that there is usually some type of
debris in the ear canal of the ferret that prevents an open shot of
the tympanic membrane. Bob Church did several dissections for me and
I presented a couple of times on hearing in ferrets. I have quite a
complete set of the literature in this area and also have some
experience with deaf ferrets.

If, however, you would like to check out Wolfy's website
(http://www.wolfysluv.com/deaf.html), I believe it will be a wonderful
starting point for you. Vets do not use any type of equipment to check
the hearing in ferrets. And, many deaf ferrets are able to hide their
deafness because they do not rely heavily on hearing in a domesticated
environment. Deafness is often linked to other genetic factors or to
other problems, such as chronic ear infections.

-- 
Renee Downs
"Eventually we will realize that if we destroy the ecosystem we destroy
ourselves." Jonas Salk
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart
It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the
credit!
Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.)
http://www.ferretemergency.org

[Posted in FML 6219]