Fond memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. For people with hearing loss, pets can provide further benefits that improve symptom management and quality of life.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular tasks or specific kinds of help can be carried out by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the situation. 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 connection.
Can owning a pet give you improved mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be difficult to hear and understand what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you may spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? It sure is! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in a wide variety of non-verbal ways. Clear communication with animals is possible without needing to hear verbal language. When somebody has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
Obviously, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But when making human relationships is difficult, it can provide some comfort and support. Additionally, pets can offer you more opportunities to connect with other humans. Bringing 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 great helpers
Service dogs, as an example, make use of specialized training to assist their humans get around the world more safely. Primarily, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that people who have hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other dangers.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds including a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teapot.
- Service dogs can even be trained to distinguish their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. Individuals who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are specifically trained to do. But other non-service animals can also be helpful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a dog with no training will often start barking when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Similarly, cats or other animals can be very sensitive to abrupt noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets may be able to pick up on these things, too.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be recognized. They will immediately 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. A structured life like this can be really comforting. It’s one reason why all kinds 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 careful consideration. You want to choose an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately care for.
It’s also essential to mention that service animals can’t replace a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. However, pets can be a vital part of your life and provide a trusty companion. For individuals with a hearing loss, they can be an invaluable, and unique, part of their life.
Call us today for an appointment and start moving toward better hearing!