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 enrich our lives, and even, in some cases, become 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. Particular tasks or specific kinds 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 situation. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. Special friendships between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Can owning a pet give you improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. Communication becomes fraught and, because of this, you may spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is owning a pet good for individuals who have hearing loss? Definitely! There are a number of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. Clear communication with animals is possible without needing to hear verbal language. When somebody has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But when making human relationships is a challenge, it can provide some comfort and support. Pets can also help you discover opportunities 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 ideal assistants
In the case of a service dog for hearing impaired people, these animals are specially trained to help 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 who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for people with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. This can help people who have hearing loss better take part in communication.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
Service animals are specially trained to notice these sounds and convey them to their human. But service animals aren’t the only way one might benefit from having an animal around. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. Likewise, cats or other animals can be very sensitive to unexpected noises or changes, and those who are aware and dialed in with their pets may be able to pick up on these things, as well.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be recognized. Adding some structure to daily life is one of those benefits. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. Lots of different types of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But if you’re thinking about getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some thoughtful consideration. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you choose and you will want one that will meet your needs.
While a service animal can be a great 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. For individuals with a hearing loss, they can be an invaluable, and unique, part of their life.
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