Also look at meds she’s taking. Make sure there is not some weird side effects.
Looked up one one of our girls was taking and was like “noooo!” Had it changed.
However, I hope it’s just a fungus or something. My shih tzu went somewhat deaf in her old age, but not completely. But if you look in their ears, they are probably a breed that REALLY needs the fur pulled out from time to time. Definitely some drops to clean at least monthly. I have never HEARD of pulling the hairs from their ears but I do know it’s a thing with schnauzers. I never did it because well, I just figured it would not be pleasant and never had problems. I don’t know what the deal was, I didn’t get that far. Lol
Hope they find a cause - I also would try to get a culture done. I see so much blown off as “old age” when it really isn’t.
But they’re smart (stubborn) dogs and you can easily train if you have to.