Hearing Dogs: Mans Best Friend

Written By: AJ Handley on April 17, 2010 No Comment

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, like guide dogs for the blind, give the deaf more independence both in and out of the home, remove some of the isolation they face, and help to keep them safe by alerting them to danger.

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 the dog is successfully trained they are introduced to their new home and start to form the partnership with their recipient. Their training is ongoing and often, as the dogs enjoy alerting the recipients to sounds, they learn more sounds for themselves.

Whats My Deafness Claim Worth support those who have suffered ear damage, or have other hearing difficulties. If hearing loss is due to noise levels at work then they can also help you make a hearing loss claim.