Many people have strong memories of a cherished family pet. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some cases, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
In some cases, pets convey these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Service animals for those with hearing loss can be trained to give specific types of assistance or even complete special jobs. But that isn’t always the situation. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. Special bonds between animals and individuals who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Can owning a pet provide improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. This break in communication can cause the individual with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is having a pet helpful? Absolutely! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it doesn’t depend on verbal language. Individuals with hearing loss can effectively bond with all kinds of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can give comfort and emotional support during what might be a very lonely time.
Obviously, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But it can provide some consolation and support when making other connections can be challenging. Also, pets can offer you more chances to make connections with other people. Even if you’re not necessarily talking with people or making new friends, doing things like taking your dog for a walk in the park can give you the chance to be around others.
Pets can be ideal helpers
In the instance of a service dog for hearing impaired individuals, these animals are specially trained to help their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that those who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for people with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Observing (and alerting their human) to everyday sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. People who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Letting their human know that the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Detecting hazardous sounds like approaching traffic.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are especially trained to do. But other non-service animals can also be helpful to someone with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Similarly, cats or other animals can be quite sensitive to abrupt noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets may be able to pick up on these things, as well.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add lots of benefits to your life without you even realizing it. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your day-to-day life. For example, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved several times each day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. Many different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But if you’re contemplating getting a pet or service animal, it’s important to give it some careful consideration. You want to choose an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately take care of.
It’s also essential to mention that service animals cannot replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. Pets can, however, be great companions and can improve your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and start moving toward better hearing!