Fond memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enrich 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 friend.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to supply special benefits. Service animals for those with hearing loss can be trained to provide specific kinds of assistance or even perform particular jobs. But that’s not always the case. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and friendship. That’s why, in many instances, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Is having a pet good for mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel very isolating. Communication becomes fraught and, because of this, you may spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet helpful? Definitely! There are lots of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. Clear communication with animals can be achieved without needing to hear verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can offer emotional support and comfort.
Obviously, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But when making human connections is difficult, it can provide some comfort and support. Also, pets can give you more chances to connect with other humans. Bringing your dog to the dog park, for instance, 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 provide aid
In the instance of a service dog for hearing impaired people, these animals are specially trained to assist their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that people who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Some of the things a service dog for those who have hearing loss is trained to do include the following:
- Detecting a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help people who have hearing loss better engage in communication.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds like a ringing phone, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
Sensing these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are specifically trained to do. But service animals aren’t 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 often 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 might not even be recognized. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your daily life. For instance, they will need to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times every day. This structure can be an important source of comfort. It’s one reason why many kinds of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s important to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. 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 essential to mention 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. However, pets can be a major part of your life and provide a trusty companion. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Take the first step toward better hearing. Give us a call today!