Since reading many postings about deaf ferrets, I started wondering about my own sweet Wheezy. For some time I've noticed that she doesn't seem bothered by loud noises, but always thought it was because she is a very laid-back little girl.....not afraid of anything.....cats, people, high places, the vacuum cleaner. etc. So my daughter and I *tested* her. With my daughter holding her, facing away from me, I took a metal pot and tossed it onto the linoleum floor of the kitchen. While the cats who were nearby all jumped or ran, Wheezy didn't even turn her head to look toward the sound. We tried it a second time with the same results. We also tried ear-piercing screams, whistles and loud stereo music turned on suddenly.....nothing. So we now assume she is totally deaf. She is over 9 years old, and healthy. She is happy, and functions quite well in every other way. Is it mainly age-related, or what? I would appreciate any ideas.....not that it would change anything, but I'm just curious as to what could have caused it. Mary Parker [Posted in FML issue 4497]