http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24714054

Anyone here who is familiar w neural crest genetic variants in ferrets
knows something about deafness and impaired hearing in ferrets...

Vet Rec. 2014 Apr 8. doi: 10.1136/vr.102197. [Epub ahead of print]
Brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) in client-owned pet ferrets
with normal hearing.

Piazza S1, Huynh M, Cauzinille L.
Author information

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of
brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) testing in petferrets in a
clinical setting, and to describe a routine method and baseline data
for normal hearing ferrets for future investigation of deafness in
this species. Twenty-eight clinically normal client-owned ferrets were
included. BAER measurements were recorded under general anaesthesia
(isoflurane delivered by mask), from subcutaneously placed needle
electrodes. A 'click' stimulus applied by insert earphone with an
intensity of 90 dB sound pressure level (SPL) was used. The final BAER
waveform represents an average of 500 successive responses. Morphology
of the waveform was studied; amplitude and latency measures were
determined and means were calculated. The BAER waveform of the
normalferret included 4 reproducible waves named I, II, III and V, as
previously described in dogs and cats. Measurements of latencies are
consistent with previous laboratory research using experimental
ferrets. In the present study, a reliable routine protocol for clinical
evaluation of the hearing function in the pet ferret was established.
This procedure can be easily and safely performed in a clinical setting
in ferrets as young as eight weeks of age. The prevalence of congenital
deafness inferrets is currently unknown but may be an important
consideration, especially in ferrets with a white coat. BAER test is
a useful screening for congenital deafness in this species.

PMID: 24714054 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher

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