Man’s best friend plays a pivotal role in our lives for companionship and emotional wellbeing, and for some, these special animals can also play a big part in keeping someone safe. For someone who cannot see or hear their surroundings, or for those with mobility struggles, a guide dog is a great way to stay engaged in life’s activities!
Why someone might want a service dog
Someone may have a guide dog if they are visually impaired, hearing impaired or for other medical problems such as diabetes and epilepsy. Some guide dogs help people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
We are going to focus on Service Dogs specific to guiding those with hearing impairment. Hearing guide dogs have full rights as service animals. The most common breeds for these services are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles / Poodle Mixes and Cocker Spaniels. These breeds are highly attentive, active and alert. However, any breed can be trained if the individual dog's temperament allows.
What can a hearing guide dog help with?
Hearing dogs can alert their handlers by using signals like lying down, sitting, putting out their paw, licking or nudging the handler. This may be to tell them someone is passing on the side, or to notify them of a potential threat (like a smoke alarm), among other important sounds.
I still recommend that people who can wear hearing aids do so, even if you also choose to have a hearing dog. For some people, a hearing dog can help ease the anxiety of severe hearing loss and for others, a service dog can help with both hearing and vision problems if you happen to have both. I never recommend against having a dog, but I do believe that hearing aids have a place in your life too.
How to quality for a hearing service dog
For someone to qualify for a guide dog, they must have a diagnosed hearing impairment and complete a lengthy application. Once they are approved, they must be matched with an animal and undergo training together. For more information, the AKC website has a list of specific companies that will match you to a Hearing Dog or provide lessons for training your own!
At Demant (HearingLife’s parent company), we have an employee resource group that is dedicated to volunteerism and this group has chosen to support Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains and gives service dogs of all types to disabled individuals free of charge.
If you’re ready to see how your hearing is doing, schedule a complimentary hearing assessment at your local HearingLife today! We can set you up to start your journey to better hearing – whether you add a hearing dog in or not.
Sources:
Hearing Dogs: Service Dogs for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired (akc.org)
Hearing Dogs - What Do You Need to Know About Them? (servicedogtrainingschool.org)
