Fond memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many individuals. 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 with hearing loss, pets can offer added benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. 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 friendships between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Can owning a pet provide improved mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, making it hard to hear and understand those around you. Communication becomes troubled and, as a result, you may spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet good for people who have hearing loss? Definitely! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in a wide variety of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it doesn’t depend on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can offer emotional support and comfort.
Clearly, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But when making human connections is difficult, it can provide some comfort and support. Pets can also help you find opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you aren’t 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 great helpers
Service dogs, for example, utilize specialized training to assist their humans navigate the world more safely. People with hearing loss will often fail to hear essential sounds around them and service animals are specifically trained to listen for those sounds and to provide assistance to their human.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Detecting hazardous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks 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.
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are specifically trained to do. But service animals are not the only way one might 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 quite sensitive to abrupt noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets may be able to pick up on these things, as well.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add lots of benefits to your life without you even recognizing it. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your day-to-day life. They need to be fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s one reason why all kinds of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s essential to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t able to provide 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. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!