Hearing Dogs

Hearing Dogs

We’ve all seen guide dogs for the blind while were out and about and they prove invaluable to those who are visually impaired. But, did you know there is also such a thing as hearing dogs for deaf people?

Hearing dogs remove some of the isolation that those who cannot hear faced in their day to day life, and allow them to live with a greater degree of independence, as well as staying safe when in the home and out and about.

In the home a hearing dog will listen for an alarm clock going off and then wake their owner (who is called the recipient), alert them when there is someone at the door, or ‘tell’ them that the phone is ringing. In these types of situation the dog will first alert the recipient by touching them with their paw. The recipient will then ask the dog ‘what is it?’ or something similar and the dog will lead them to whatever is making the sound; the phone, the door, the microwave etc.

The procedure is slightly different when there is danger afoot, as after getting the recipients attention the dog will lie on the ground, and this is the sign that the recipient understands as danger. The recipient will then act accordingly getting themselves, and the hearing dog, to safety.

Once it has been decided that a dog has the right temperament to become a hearing dog they are put through extensive training. This includes socialisation, behavioural training and an intensive four month sound work course. During this time, the dog is encouraged to react to certain sounds in the necessary manner and is condition to enjoy the work and see alerting their recipient to the sounds as a treat.

Once a dog has undergone it’s training it is then introduced to its new home, with ongoing training and integration exercises. The dog and the recipient begin to form a partnership with the dog eager to do well and please their new friend.

Ear damage, can completely change an individuals life and if you have suffered deafness as a result of working in a loud job then you may have a case to make a hearing loss claim.

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