Many people have powerful recollections of a cherished family pet. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array of other animals can enrich our lives, and even, in some cases, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for individuals who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet friend.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Service animals for individuals with hearing loss can be trained to give specific types of assistance or even perform special tasks. But that isn’t always the situation. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and companionship. Special bonds between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. This break in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? It sure is! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is important with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. People with hearing loss can effectively bond with a wide variety of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can offer comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But it can offer some solace and support when making other connections can be challenging. Pets can also help you find opportunities to connect with other people. Taking your dog to the dog park, for example, can give you a chance to be around other people, even if you don’t necessarily strike up a conversation or make a new friend.
Pets can be ideal assistants
In the instance of a service dog for hearing impaired individuals, these animals are specially trained to assist their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that those with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for people with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Letting their human know that the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Observing (and alerting their human) to everyday sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other dangers.
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks 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.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing.
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 somebody with hearing loss. Even a dog with no training will often start barking when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Cats and other animals will also often react to sudden or unknown sounds which their owner will pick up on if they are in tune with their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life might not even be recognized. Adding some structure to daily life is one of those benefits. They must get fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. This structure can be an essential 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 considering a pet or a service animal. You want to pick an animal that’s going to meet your needs and that you will be able to properly take care of.
It’s also important to mention that service animals cannot replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the long-term 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 assessment and start moving toward better hearing!