Happy memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many individuals. Our lives can be enriched by many kinds 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 buddy.
In some circumstances, pets bring these benefits because they have been specifically trained to do so. Service animals for those with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific forms of support or even complete particular tasks. But that’s not always the case. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and companionship. That’s why, in many instances, individuals with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique connection.
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, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is having a pet good for people who have hearing loss? It sure is! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. Clear communication with animals is possible without the need to hear verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But it can offer some consolation and assistance when making other connections can be difficult. Also, pets can give you more opportunities to make connections with other humans. 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 opportunity to be around others.
Pets can be great assistants
Service dogs, as an example, utilize specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that those who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help people who have hearing loss better take part in communication.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
Sensing 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 somebody 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 pick up on 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 recognized. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. They must get fed, walked, and given affection on a regular basis, for instance. This structure can be an important source of comfort. It’s one reason why all kinds 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 take proper care of the animal you pick and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
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. Pets can, however, be wonderful companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. For individuals with a hearing loss, they can be a significant, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!
