Happy memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many individuals. Our lives can be enriched by many kinds of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many instances, they are our 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 tasks or specific kinds of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the case. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no specialized training. Special bonds between animals and individuals who have hearing loss are often formed as a result.
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. This gap in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is owning a pet good for people with hearing loss? It sure is! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is important with animals, it doesn’t depend on verbal language. When somebody 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.
This does not replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But it can give some consolation and support when making other connections can be difficult. Pets can also help you find opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you’re not 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 give aid
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 might otherwise miss.
Here are a few things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other dangers.
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. People who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a ringing phone, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are specifically trained to do. But service animals aren’t the only way one might benefit from having an animal around. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. 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 might not even be noticed. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your everyday life. They need to be fed, walked, and given affection on a regular basis, for instance. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s part of the reason why many 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 properly care for the animal you pick 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 improve 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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