Many individuals have strong memories of a cherished family pet. Our lives can be enriched by many types of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many cases, they are our close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for individuals who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to provide special benefits. Service animals for individuals with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific types of support or even complete particular jobs. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the case. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and friendship. Special friendships 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 make out what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. This break in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to isolate themselves.
So, is having a pet good for people who have hearing loss? It sure is! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in a wide variety of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it does not rely on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can offer emotional support and comfort.
Clearly, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But it can provide some solace and assistance when making other connections can be challenging. Also, pets can give you more chances to connect with other humans. Even if you aren’t necessarily talking with people or making new friends, doing things like taking your dog for a walk in the park can give you the opportunity to be around others.
Pets can be great helpers
Service dogs, for example, use specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. People with hearing loss will often fail to hear essential sounds around them and service animals are specifically trained to listen for those sounds and to provide direction to their human.
Some of the things a service dog for those with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Noticing (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 speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help people with hearing loss better engage in communication.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
Service animals are specifically trained to detect these sounds and convey them to their human. But other non-service animals can also be helpful to somebody 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 unexpected noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets might be able to pick up on these things, too.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be recognized. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your day-to-day life. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved several times every day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s part of the reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s worthwhile to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you choose and you will want one that will meet your needs.
It’s also essential to note 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 wonderful companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!
