Fond memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. For people who have hearing loss, pets can offer additional benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some circumstances, pets convey these benefits because they have been specifically trained to do so. Service animals for those with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific types of assistance or even perform particular tasks. But that isn’t always the situation. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. Special friendships between animals and individuals who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be exceptionally isolating, making it hard to hear and understand those around you. This break in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to isolate themselves.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Absolutely! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is important with animals, it doesn’t rely on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a really 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 give some consolation and assistance when making other connections can be challenging. Additionally, pets can give you more chances 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 assistants
Service dogs, for example, use specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that people with hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Detecting hazardous sounds like approaching traffic.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell.
- Alerting their human to daily sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Recognizing when somebody 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 take part in communication.
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 someone with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. Likewise, cats or other animals can be quite sensitive to abrupt 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
Pets can add lots of benefits to your life without you even realizing it. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your daily life. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved several times each day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. Lots of different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But if you’re contemplating getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some thoughtful consideration. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
While a service animal can be a big help, they aren’t capable of providing the same level of long-term benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. However, pets can be an important part of your life and provide a trusty companion. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and begin moving toward better hearing!
