Happy memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. For people who have 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 specifically trained to do so. Service animals for individuals with hearing loss can be trained to give specific forms of assistance or even complete particular jobs. Sometimes, though, that’s not the case. Even a common animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. Special bonds between animals and people who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Can owning a pet provide 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 fraught and, as a result, you may spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Definitely! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in a wide variety of non-verbal ways. Clear communication with animals can be achieved without the need to hear verbal language. People with hearing loss can effectively bond with a wide variety of pets (this is usually dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can offer comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonely time.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But it can give some solace and support when making other connections can be difficult. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you’re not necessarily talking with people 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 provide aid
Service dogs, as an example, use specialized training to assist their humans navigate the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that individuals who have hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when that human is being spoken to. This can help those with hearing loss better take part in communication.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other dangers.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds like a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a whistling teakettle.
Service animals are specially trained to notice these sounds and convey them to their human. But other non-service animals can also be useful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. Cats and other animals will also usually react to sudden or unfamiliar 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 may not even be noticed. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your daily life. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s part of the reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But if you’re contemplating getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some careful consideration. 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.
It’s also important to note that service animals cannot 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 improve your overall quality of life. For individuals 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!