Many people have powerful memories of a cherished family pet. 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 offer additional benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to supply special benefits. Particular jobs or specific types of help can be carried out by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that’s not the case. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. Special bonds between animals and individuals 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 understand what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. This break in communication can cause the individual with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Absolutely! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. Individuals with hearing loss can successfully bond with all kinds of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can give comfort and emotional support during what may be a very lonesome time.
Clearly, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But it can offer some consolation and support when making other connections can be challenging. Also, pets can offer you more opportunities to make connections with other humans. 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. Individuals with hearing loss will frequently fail to hear important sounds around them and service animals are specifically trained to pay attention to those sounds and to provide guidance to their human.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Detecting hazardous sounds like approaching traffic.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. Individuals who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
Service animals are specifically trained to notice these sounds and communicate them to their human. But service animals aren’t the only way one could benefit from having an animal around. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Likewise, cats or other animals can be extremely sensitive to unexpected noises or changes, and people who are aware and in tune with their pets might be able to pick up on these things, as well.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add lots of benefits to your life without you even recognizing it. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved several times each day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. Many different types of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But it’s worthwhile to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
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 great 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!
