Many individuals have strong recollections of a beloved family pet. 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. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet friend.
In some circumstances, pets bring these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Service animals for those with hearing loss can be trained to give specific kinds of assistance or even complete special tasks. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the situation. Friendship and comfort can come from animals with no specialized training. That’s why, in many instances, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique connection.
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 really isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet helpful? Absolutely! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in a wide variety of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is important with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. When somebody has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can give 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 provide some comfort and support. Additionally, pets can offer you more chances to connect with other people. Taking your dog to the dog park, for example, can give you an opportunity to be around other people, even if you don’t necessarily strike up a conversation or make a new friend.
Pets can be ideal assistants
Service dogs, as an example, use specialized training to help their humans navigate the world more safely. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that individuals with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a ringing phone, alarm clock, or a whistling teapot.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other dangers.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help people with hearing loss better take part in communication.
Service animals are specially trained to detect these sounds and communicate them to their human. But service animals are not the only way one could benefit from having an animal around. Even a non-trained dog can start barking when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also usually react to abrupt or unknown sounds which their owner will recognize if they are in tune with their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be recognized. They will instantly 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 one 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 select and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
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 wonderful companions and can improve your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and begin moving toward better hearing!
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
