Happy memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many individuals. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for individuals who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
In some cases, pets convey these benefits because they have been specifically 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. Sometimes, though, that’s not the case. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. That’s why, in many instances, individuals with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Can owning a pet give you improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be difficult to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, as a result, you might spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is owning a pet helpful for people with hearing loss? 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 depend on verbal language. Individuals with hearing loss can successfully bond with a wide variety of pets (this is usually dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can provide comfort and emotional support during what might be a very lonesome time.
Clearly, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But it can give some solace and assistance when making other connections can be difficult. Additionally, pets can offer 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 opportunity to be around others.
Pets can provide aid
Service dogs, for example, utilize specialized training to assist their humans get around the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that people who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for people who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Detecting dangerous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help those who have hearing loss better take part in communication.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Observing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
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 someone with hearing loss. Even a dog without any training will often bark when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Likewise, cats or other animals can be quite sensitive to sudden noises or changes, and people who are aware and in tune with their pets might 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 might not even be recognized. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your daily life. For instance, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved several times each day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s part of the reason why all types 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 thoughtful consideration. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you pick and you will want one that will meet your needs.
While a service animal can be a big help, they aren’t capable of providing the same level of long-term benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. Pets can, however, be great 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.
Call us today for an appointment and begin moving toward better hearing!