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]