Fond memories of a cherished pet is a common experience for many people. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enrich our lives, and even, in some cases, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet friend.
Sometimes, pets are specifically trained to provide special benefits. Particular jobs or specific kinds of help can be carried out by these animals which are trained to provide help to people with hearing loss. But that’s not always the situation. Even a common animal companion with no special training can offer comfort and friendship. That’s why, in many cases, individuals with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique connection.
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 very isolating. Communication becomes troubled and, because of this, you may spend less time socializing with other people.
So, is having a pet worthwhile? Definitely! A cat, dog, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is important with animals, it doesn’t depend on verbal language. Individuals with hearing loss can effectively bond with all kinds of pets (this is typically dependent on personal preferences), and these pets can offer comfort and emotional support during what may be a very lonesome time.
Clearly, this doesn’t take the place of contact between humans. But it can provide some consolation and support when making other connections can be difficult. Additionally, pets can give you more opportunities to make connections with other humans. 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, use specialized training to assist their humans navigate the world more safely. Primarily, that means these service animals are trained to be aware of sounds that people with hearing loss may otherwise miss.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for someone with hearing loss:
- Noticing (and alerting their human) to day-to-day sounds like tea kettles, alarm clocks, or the phone ringing.
- Hearing the doorbell ring or a knock on the door.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise speaks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. People who have hearing loss will have an easier time communicating with others as a result.
- Letting their human know that the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Detecting the sound of oncoming traffic or other hazards.
Service animals are specially trained to detect these sounds and communicate them to their human. But other non-service animals can also be helpful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a non-trained dog can bark when the doorbell rings. Similarly, cats or other animals can be extremely sensitive to abrupt noises or changes, and those who are aware and in tune with their pets might 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. Adding some structure to everyday life is one of those benefits. For example, they will have to be walked, fed, and loved numerous times each day. This structure can be an essential source of comfort. Lots of different kinds of animal-assisted therapies exist because of this.
But it’s essential to be thoughtful if you’re thinking about getting a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you pick and you will want one that will meet your needs.
It’s also essential to note that service animals can’t take the place of a pair of hearing aids, both in terms of the lasting benefits and in terms of their capabilities. Pets can, however, be great companions and can improve your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
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