Many individuals have strong memories of a beloved family pet. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enrich our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. For people who have hearing loss, pets can provide additional benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specifically trained to do so. Particular jobs or specific types of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. But that isn’t always the situation. Even a common animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and companionship. That’s why, in many instances, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Can owning a pet provide improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be difficult to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. This gap in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to isolate themselves.
So, is owning a pet good for individuals with hearing loss? It sure is! There are a number of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it doesn’t rely on verbal language. Individuals with hearing loss can effectively bond with a wide variety of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can provide comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But when making human relationships is a challenge, it can offer some comfort and support. Pets can also help you find opportunities to connect with other people. 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 chance to be around others.
Pets can be ideal helpers
In the instance of a service dog for hearing impaired people, these animals are specially trained to assist their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that those who have hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are a few things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Detecting dangerous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Service dogs can even be trained to distinguish their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. People with hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a whistling teakettle.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
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 useful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. Similarly, cats or other animals can be very sensitive to sudden noises or changes, and those who are aware and dialed in with their pets may be able to recognize these things, as well.
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 instance, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times every day. This structure can be an important source of comfort. It’s one reason why many kinds of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s worthwhile to be thoughtful if you’re thinking about getting a pet or a service animal. You want to pick an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately care for.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t able to provide the same degree of long-term benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. Pets can, however, be wonderful companions and can improve your overall quality of life. For people with a hearing impairment, they can be an invaluable, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and begin moving toward better hearing!