Many individuals have strong recollections of a cherished family pet. Our lives can be enriched by many kinds of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many instances, they are our close companions. For people who have hearing loss, pets can offer further benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some circumstances, pets convey these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular tasks 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. Even an everyday animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and friendship. That’s why, in many cases, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique bond.
Can owning a pet provide improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, as a result, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is owning a pet helpful for individuals with hearing loss? It sure is! There are a number of non-verbal ways that a companion animal can communicate. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it doesn’t depend on verbal language. When somebody 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 relationships is a challenge, it can offer some comfort and support. Also, pets can offer you more opportunities to connect with other people. 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 chance to be around others.
Pets can give aid
In the case 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. Primarily, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that individuals 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:
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. This can help those who have hearing loss better engage in communication.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
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. Similarly, cats or other animals can be extremely sensitive to unexpected noises or changes, and those who are aware and dialed in with their pets may be able to pick up on these things, too.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add many benefits to your life without you even recognizing it. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your daily life. They need to be fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for instance. This structure can be an important source of comfort. It’s part of the reason why all kinds of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s worthwhile to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You want to pick an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately care for.
It’s also important to mention that service animals cannot replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. However, pets can be an important part of your life and provide a trusty companion. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
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