Fond memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many individuals. Our lives can be enriched by many types of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many cases, they are our close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet friend.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to provide special benefits. Service animals for people with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific forms of support or even complete particular jobs. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the situation. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. That’s why, in many instances, individuals with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
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. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is owning a pet helpful for people who have hearing loss? Definitely! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is important with animals, it does not rely 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 offer comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
Obviously, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But when making human connections is difficult, it can offer some comfort and support. Also, pets can offer you more opportunities to connect with other people. Bringing your dog to the dog park, for instance, 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 helpers
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 be aware of sounds that individuals with hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds like a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teapot.
- Service dogs can even be trained to distinguish their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. Individuals with hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
Sensing 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 bark when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also often react to abrupt or unfamiliar sounds which their owner will recognize if they are in tune with their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be noticed. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your daily life. For example, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. Many different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
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 take proper care of the animal you choose and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
It’s also important to note that service animals can’t replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. 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 begin moving toward better hearing!