Possible hearing impaired cat?

I posted recently that I took in a stray. Initially, I thought he was simply acting the way he was accustomed to as a homeless cat. Now, I'm wondering if he doesn't listen because he doesn't hear well. I don't know if he's too distracted or disinterested to respond or if he could have a hearing impairment. He doesn't seem to respond to the name that I've been calling him repeatedly since I got him. I've tried clapping my hands and making other noises near him but he doesn't respond to that either. If does have hearing problems, I wonder if there are any other problems that typically accompany something like that. I know that in kids, there are usually speech problems or loud speech. He does meow. 

I did have him to the vet but I guess hearing isn't something that is routinely checked. When I take him for his pre-neutering exam, I will ask. 

Has anyone had experience with anything like this?

We had a cat that developed hearing loss as she aged and it did tend to make her meows louder.  I'm not sure how they would be effected if they were deaf from birth though.

Can you try gingaling keys or snapping your fingers just behind her head so she doesn't see it and see if she responds?

The thing is, whether born like this or if it's happened over time, cats, just like people, learn to use their other senses to compensate.

It can be really tricky when making sounds that he might react to.

The best way to tell is by using a whistle from the other side of the room, and watch as you start blowing lightly, increasing it until you see his ear move backward.

Otherwise he can sense air movement.

It may also be how cats are somewhat arrogant, and he simply chooses to not acknowledge you at the time! Cats are SPECIAL aren't they?!

My new kitten is almost completely deaf.  He will respond to very loud, loud noises, but he doesn't know where the sound is coming from.   He doesn't hear my voice or when I clap my hands.  He doesn't respond when I say NO loudly. This has been tricky as far as training goes.  hehe  I've had to adapt.

The vet missed this in the initial examine, as did the shelter I adopted him from.  He's so interactive, and chirps and purrs like most kittens...so, it took time to figure it out.  The vet thought it might have happened in utero or when he was a very small kitten--most likely a virus. 

He is a joy, even if he can't hear my voice. We have a very rewarding and loving relationship. I have a laser pointer to catch his attention, which works well. 

Have the vet check out your new kitty to make sure that nothing active is going on in his ears. 

Good luck. 

Many years ago I had a deaf cat, it took me months to find out! He still went outside at times and always kept his back to a tree. When I wanted him to come in I would flash the porch light on and off and he would come running! I stomped my foot on the floor in the house to get his attention. Your cat will do fine, give him a kiss for me!

My deaf kitten responds to vibrations, too. 

My kitty went deaf at about 13 yrs old. She first started to yowl really loud and I noticed she stopped coming when I called and her ears did not turn with sounds. After a few months of her and me getting used to it, all was fine. She continued to meow and trill at the correct volume and the yowls stopped. I wish she could hear my voice as we "talked" a lot prior. In the end body language sufficed. Since your baby was born deaf  s/he knows no different. It will all be cool.