Happy memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many people. 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 with hearing loss, pets can provide additional benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some circumstances, pets convey these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular tasks or specific types of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that’s not the case. Even a common animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and friendship. That’s why, in many instances, individuals with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique connection.
Can owning a pet give you improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. Communication becomes fraught and, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with other people.
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 important with animals, it does not rely on verbal language. People 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 might be a very lonesome time.
This does not replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But it can offer some solace and support when making other connections can be challenging. Also, pets can give you more opportunities to connect with other humans. Taking your dog to the dog park, for instance, can give you an opportunity to be around other people, even if you don’t necessarily strike up a conversation or make a new friend.
Pets can provide aid
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. Primarily, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that people with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Observing (and alerting their human) to everyday sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- 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.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
Service animals are specially trained to notice 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 non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Similarly, cats or other animals can be extremely sensitive to sudden noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets might be able to recognize these things, as well.
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 daily life. They need to be fed, walked, and given affection on a regular basis, for example. This structure can be an important source of comfort. Many different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But it’s essential to be thoughtful if you’re thinking about getting a pet or a service animal. You want to select an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately care for.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t capable of providing the same level of lasting benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. Pets can, however, be great companions and can improve your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!