Fond memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many people. Our lives can be enriched by many types of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many instances, 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 supply special benefits. Particular jobs or specific kinds of help can be carried out by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. But that isn’t always the situation. Even a common animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and companionship. Special friendships between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be extremely isolating, making it hard to hear and understand those around you. Communication becomes troubled and, as a result, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet good for individuals who have hearing loss? Definitely! There are a number of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. People with hearing loss can effectively bond with all kinds of pets (this is usually dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can offer comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
Clearly, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But it can give some consolation and assistance when making other connections can be difficult. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect 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 great helpers
In the case 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. Individuals with hearing loss will often fail to hear important 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 people who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to everyday sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Service dogs can even be trained to distinguish their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. People who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are especially trained to do. But service animals aren’t the only way one could benefit from having an animal around. Even a dog without any training will often bark when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Cats and other animals will also often react to abrupt or unfamiliar sounds which their owner will recognize if they are tuned in to their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life might not even be noticed. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your daily life. For example, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved several times every day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s one reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But if you’re thinking about getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some careful consideration. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your needs.
It’s also important to note that service animals cannot take the place of a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. However, pets can be an important part of your life and provide a trusty companion. For individuals with a hearing impairment, they can be a significant, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and begin moving toward better hearing!