Happy memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many people. Our lives can be enriched by many types of animals including; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. In many cases, they are our close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet friend.
In some circumstances, pets convey these benefits because they have been specifically 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 case. Even a common animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. That’s why, in many cases, people with hearing loss and their animal friends develop a special and unique bond.
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 very isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you may spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? It sure is! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is important with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. People with hearing loss can effectively bond with all kinds of pets (this is usually dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can offer comfort and emotional reinforcement during what may be a very lonesome time.
Obviously, this doesn’t replace contact between humans. But when making human connections is difficult, it can offer some comfort and support. Pets can also help you find opportunities to connect with other people. Even if you aren’t 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 great assistants
In the case of a service dog for hearing impaired individuals, these animals are specially trained to help their human companions in moving around and functioning in the world. Generally, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that individuals with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks 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.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Letting their human know that the smoke detector is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
Service animals are specially trained to detect these sounds and convey them to their human. 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. Likewise, cats or other animals can be extremely sensitive to unexpected noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets might be able to recognize these things, too.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life might not even be noticed. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. For instance, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. A structured life like this can be very comforting. It’s one reason why many 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 want to pick an animal that’s going to meet your requirements and that you will be able to adequately take care of.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t able to provide the same degree of lasting benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. Pets can, however, be great 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.
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