Fond memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many individuals. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some cases, 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. Service animals for people with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific types of support or even complete particular jobs. But that’s not always the situation. Even a common animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. That’s why, in many cases, people with hearing loss and their animal friends develop a special and unique bond.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be exceptionally isolating, making it hard to hear and understand people around you. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet helpful for individuals who have hearing loss? Definitely! A cat, dog, 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 very lonely time, and being able to connect 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 a challenge, it can offer some comfort and support. Additionally, pets can give 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 be ideal assistants
Service dogs, as an example, make use of specialized training to assist their humans navigate the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that people who have hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Detecting hazardous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Recognizing when somebody 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.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds like a phone ringing, 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 useful to someone with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Similarly, cats or other animals can be quite sensitive to sudden noises or changes, and people who are aware and dialed in with their pets may 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 may not even be recognized. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. They must get fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. A structured life like this can be really comforting. Many different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
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 choose and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
While a service animal can be a great 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 wonderful companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. For people with a hearing loss, they can be a significant, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and start moving toward better hearing!