Many people have powerful memories of a beloved family pet. Our lives can be enriched by many types of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many cases, they are our close companions. For people who have hearing loss, pets can offer added benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some cases, pets convey these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular jobs or specific types of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. But that’s not always the situation. Friendship and comfort can come from animals with no specialized training. That’s why, in many instances, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Is having a pet good for mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, making it difficult to hear and understand people around you. 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? It sure is! There are a number of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
Clearly, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But when making human connections is a challenge, it can offer some comfort and support. Additionally, pets can offer you more chances to make connections with other people. Bringing your dog to the dog park, for example, 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 provide aid
Service dogs, for example, utilize specialized training to help their humans navigate the world more safely. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that those who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when that human is being spoken to. Individuals with hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other dangers.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
Detecting 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 useful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also usually react to sudden or unknown sounds which their owner will recognize 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 noticed. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your everyday life. They need to be fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s one reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But if you’re contemplating getting a pet or service animal, it’s important to give it some careful 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 requirements.
It’s also essential to note that service animals cannot replace 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 people with a hearing impairment, they can be an invaluable, and unique, part of their life.
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