Fond memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many individuals. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide array of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for individuals who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to provide special benefits. Particular jobs or specific types of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. But that’s not always the case. Companionship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. Special bonds between animals and individuals who have hearing loss are often formed as a result.
Is having a pet good for 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, as a result, you may spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Absolutely! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. Clear communication with animals can be achieved without the need to hear verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a really lonely time, and being able to bond with an animal friend can give emotional support and comfort.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social connection, of course. But when making human connections is a challenge, it can provide some comfort and support. Pets can also help you discover opportunities to connect 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 opportunity to be around others.
Pets can give aid
Service dogs, as an example, utilize specialized training to help their humans navigate the world more safely. People with hearing loss will frequently fail to hear important sounds around them and service animals are specifically trained to pay attention to those sounds and to provide assistance to their human.
Here are a few things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other dangers.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing.
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when someone is talking to that human. This can help people who have hearing loss better engage in communication.
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to everyday sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Informing their human when the smoke alarm goes off.
Detecting these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are especially trained to do. But other non-service animals can also be useful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a dog without any training will often start barking when somebody rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Similarly, cats or other animals can be quite sensitive to unexpected noises or changes, and people who are aware and dialed in with their pets might be able to pick up on these things, as well.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life might not even be noticed. They will immediately add a degree of structure to your day-to-day life. They must get fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. 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 contemplating getting a pet or service animal, it’s essential to give it some thoughtful consideration. You want to select an animal that’s going to meet your needs and that you will be able to adequately care for.
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. 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.
Call us today for an assessment and start moving toward better hearing!