Fond memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array 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.
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 offer comfort and friendship. Special bonds between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Can owning a pet provide improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, as a result, you might spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Definitely! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it doesn’t rely on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can offer emotional support and comfort.
Obviously, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But when making human connections is a challenge, it can provide some comfort and support. Additionally, pets can give you more chances to connect with other humans. Even if you aren’t necessarily talking with others 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 helpers
In the case 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. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that those with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for people with hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. People who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
Service animals are specifically trained to detect these sounds and convey them to their human. But service animals are not the only way one could benefit from having an animal around. Even a dog with no training will often bark when someone rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Cats and other animals will also usually react to abrupt or unknown 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 may not even be noticed. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your day-to-day life. For example, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved several times every day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s part of the reason why many kinds of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
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 choose and you will want one that will meet your needs.
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 improve your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
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