Many people have powerful recollections of a cherished family pet. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enrich our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. For people who have hearing loss, pets can provide further benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some cases, pets convey these benefits because they have been specifically trained to do so. Particular tasks 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 case. Friendship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. Special friendships between animals and people who have hearing loss are often formed as a result.
Is having a pet good for mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. This break in communication can cause the person with hearing loss to seclude themselves.
So, is having a pet helpful for individuals with hearing loss? It sure is! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. Clear communication with animals can be achieved without the need to hear verbal language. When somebody has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
This does not replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But it can provide some solace and support when making other connections can be difficult. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect with other people. Taking 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, as an example, make use of specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. Primarily, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that those with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks 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.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Detecting hazardous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a ringing phone, alarm clock, or a screeching teapot.
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 helpful to someone with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also often react to sudden or unfamiliar sounds which their owner will pick up on if they are in tune with their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life might not even be recognized. Adding some structure to daily life is one of those benefits. They must get fed, walked, and given affection on a regular basis, for instance. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s one reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s essential to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You want to choose an animal that’s going to meet your needs and that you will be able to properly care for.
It’s also essential to note that service animals can’t replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the long-term benefits and in terms of their capabilities. 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!