Many individuals have powerful memories 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. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
In some cases, pets convey these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular jobs or specific kinds of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the case. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no specialized training. That’s why, in many instances, individuals 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 fraught and, because of this, you might spend less time socializing with other people.
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 essential with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. When someone 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.
This does not replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But when making human connections is difficult, it can offer some comfort and support. Also, pets can give you more chances to make connections 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 chance to be around others.
Pets can be ideal helpers
Service dogs, for example, utilize specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that people who have hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are a few things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Detecting dangerous sounds like approaching traffic.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Recognizing when someone speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. Individuals who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Observing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
Service animals are specially trained to notice these sounds and communicate them to their human. But service animals are not the only way one might benefit from having an animal around. Even a dog with no training will often start barking when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Likewise, cats or other animals can be very sensitive to sudden noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets might be able to recognize these things, as well.
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 day-to-day life. For example, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. This structure can be an important source of comfort. Lots of different types of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But if you’re thinking about getting a pet or service animal, it’s important to give it some careful consideration. You will need to be able to properly care for the animal you pick and you will want one that will meet your requirements.
It’s also important to note that service animals cannot take the place of a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the long-term benefits and in terms of their capabilities. Pets can, however, be wonderful companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. For individuals with a hearing impairment, they can be a significant, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and begin moving toward better hearing!