Happy memories of a beloved pet is a common experience for many individuals. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to supply special benefits. 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’s not the situation. Friendship and comfort can come from animals with no special training. Special friendships between animals and individuals who have hearing loss are frequently formed as a result.
Is owning a pet good for mental health?
Neglected hearing loss can be extremely isolating, making it difficult to hear and understand people around you. Communication becomes fraught and, as a result, you might spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet helpful? 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 rely on verbal language. When someone has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can give emotional support and comfort.
This doesn’t replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But when making human relationships is a challenge, it can provide some comfort and support. Also, pets can offer you more 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 opportunity to be around others.
Pets can be ideal helpers
Service dogs, as an example, utilize specialized training to help their humans navigate the world more safely. Mostly, that means these service animals are trained to pay attention to sounds that people with hearing loss might otherwise miss.
Here are a few things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Hearing the doorbell ring or someone knocking on the door.
- Notifying their human when the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Alerting their human to daily sounds like a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teapot.
- Detecting the sound of approaching traffic or other hazards.
- Service dogs can even be trained to recognize their human’s name, and when that human is being spoken to. Individuals with hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
Sensing these sounds and alerting their human to them is something these animals are especially 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 bark 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 in tune with their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Many of the benefits that a pet can bring to your life may not even be recognized. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. They must get fed, walked, and given love on a regular basis, for example. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. It’s part of the reason why all types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s worthwhile to be thoughtful if you’re considering a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you select and you will want one that will meet your needs.
It’s also essential 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. Pets can, however, be wonderful companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and important part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and start moving toward better hearing!
