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. For people who have hearing loss, pets can provide further 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 kinds of help can be carried out by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that’s not the case. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no specialized training. That’s why, in many cases, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Untreated hearing loss can be extremely isolating, making it hard to hear and understand those around you. This gap in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to isolate themselves.
So, is having a pet helpful for individuals who have hearing loss? It sure is! There are lots 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. Individuals with hearing loss can effectively bond with all kinds of pets (this is usually dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can provide comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
This does not replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But when making human connections is difficult, it can offer some comfort and support. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you aren’t necessarily talking with others 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 assistants
Service dogs, for example, utilize specialized training to assist their humans navigate the world more safely. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that those with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. Individuals with hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Detecting dangerous sounds like approaching traffic.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Observing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are specifically 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. Cats and other animals will also usually react to abrupt or unfamiliar sounds which their owner will recognize if they are in tune with their pet.
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 everyday life. They need to be fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s part of the 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 will need to be able to properly care for the animal you pick and you will want one that will meet your needs.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t able to provide the same level of lasting benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. However, pets can be a vital part of your life and provide a trusty companion. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!