I am not sure if this applies in this case but there is a connection with deafness and heart disease in humans. This is the article I read a few months ago. I did not believe I kept the link but here it is if anyone is interested:
Something You Don't Hear Much About: Hearing Loss Tied To Heart Disease
Humans and canines do share a small percentage of genetic material but what are the odds it would include this. The article is from 2005 so maybe there is current information. Just thought I would share it.