Hearing dogs provide their owners with emotional connection as well as hearing support. Learn the necessary qualities a hearing dog should have and find out how you can qualify for owning one.
Defining Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
What do hearing service dogs do? Hearing dogs undergo special training to assist people with hearing impairment. Aside from acting as the ears of their deaf companions, hearing dogs also provide a sense of companionship.
“Why are hearing dogs important?” is a frequently asked question. Hearing dogs are important as they help their owners become more aware of their surroundings.
These trained dogs can be taught to recognise 3 or more important sounds such as:
- Smoke alarm
- Baby monitor
- Alarm clock
Upon catching these sounds, hearing dogs will alert people with hearing loss. It is usually done through physical contacts, such as nudging their hands or tapping their legs.
Then, they lead their disabled human companions toward the noise source. Some hearing dogs for deaf people can be even trained to recognise and respond to sign language.
Most importantly, hearing dogs for the deaf gives emotional support to their owners. Several people with hearing impairment have shared how they felt more secure and confident after owning hearing dogs. Their canine companions keep them company in their day-to-day activities, diminishing their feelings of isolation.
Dog Hearing vs. Human Hearing
Hearing dogs for deaf people use their hearing abilities to support their owners. You might wonder, “Is a dog’s hearing better than humans?”
A dog’s hearing is superior to humans in certain aspects. For instance, canines are susceptible to high-pitched sounds.
They can hear sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hertz (Hz). In comparison, average full-grown humans cannot hear sounds above 20,000 Hz.
Pooches can also catch more subtle and softer noises that we can barely hear. Sounds ranging from -5 decibels and -15 decibels can be detected by canine hearing.
Scientists also discovered that dogs could discern slight differences between frequencies. In a certain study, canines were able to distinguish the musical note C from another note that differs by one-eighth of the distance between that C note and C sharp.
The amazing hearing ability of dogs allows them to perceive certain noises ahead of time than their owners. For this reason, it becomes very handy when they are trained to become hearing dogs for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Best Breeds as Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
What is the best dog for hearing? Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Papillons, Poodles, and Terriers are some purebred dogs commonly trained to become hearing dogs. Mixed breeds are not exempted from getting hearing dogs jobs too.
However, breed and pedigree are not the most important factors to take into account when looking for a hearing dog. The focus should be on temperament and trainability.
Good hearing dogs for people who are deaf must be attentive but not nervous about noises. They are confident in identifying important sounds from background noises. They can focus on their task without needing much guidance from their owners.
Additionally, hearing dogs need to possess a friendly countenance and a stable temperament. They do not get easily distracted or distressed when they are in a crowded, noisy place.
3 Types of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
Hearing dogs for deaf people have different functions depending on what they are trained for. Let us find out how each of them differs from the other.
1. Full-Hearing Dogs
Trained dogs belonging to this category are fully trained and certified by either the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Foundation (IGDF). They can confidently accompany their owners as sound support both outdoors and indoors.
Full-hearing dogs are some of the few service dogs allowed to enter establishments where animals are prohibited from accompanying their owners. They can ride on transport vehicles such as taxis and airplanes.
2. Sound Support Dogs
Sound support dogs are fully trained but face difficulties guiding their owners in public spaces. They are suited for people with moderate hearing loss or gradual hearing deterioration.
Unlike full-hearing dogs, they can only provide support to people with hearing impairment indoors. Thus, sound support dogs cannot go inside establishments with pet restrictions.
3. Confidence and Companion Dogs
These dogs are great canine companions for deaf people, but they cannot completely fulfil their role as hearing dogs. They tend to be too shy or easily get distracted when providing sound support.
Confidence and companion dogs are a better match for deaf persons that do not require guidance but need companionship and emotional support. They help in easing the loneliness and improving the mood of their owners.
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Training
The training that hearing dogs undergo is a complex process. We will help you understand how it goes by providing you with a general overview.
Hearing Dogs Training Stage 1
Applicant dogs must undergo an assessment before getting accepted into hearing dogs training. Their temperament and personality should match what a hearing dog for the deaf must possess.
Hearing Dogs Training Stage 2
Once the evaluation is done, dogs that are fit to be hearing dogs can start training. They will begin with the basics, such as basic socialisation and obedience training. It helps strengthen their focus and increases their impulse control.
Hearing Dogs Training Stage 3
Trainee hearing dogs will receive sound work training. They will be taught to discern important sounds and the associated alert behaviours. All of these must be carried out without verbal cues since the handler cannot hear the sound in practice.
Completing hearing dogs training takes a long time. It can span a few months to several years before a dog is fully trained. However, these efforts are not wasted as it moulds them to become reliable hearing dogs that offer sound support as well as comfort to people with hearing impairment.
Qualifying for a Hearing Dog
Some of the most asked questions about hearing dogs are: “How to get a service dog for the deaf?” and “How to qualify for a hearing dog?” The first step would be to look for a hearing dog provider in your area and check their requirements.
Remember that each organisation has different criteria and prerequisites for applicants. Thus, read them thoroughly before sending in your applications to ensure higher chances of getting selected.
If you are accepted as an applicant, the organisation will look for a hearing dog that fits well into your lifestyle. Finding the right match for you is a meticulous process, which often tends to take a long time. Some applicants wait about a year to have hearing dogs, whilst others have to wait for over 2 years.
Once you have successfully brought home your hearing dog, the organisation may provide check-ins and additional home training. They provide good counsel and helpful tips to new hearing dog partnerships so that both dogs and owners settle quickly into their new home life.
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Cost
How much does a hearing dog cost in the UK? The cost of hearing dogs in the UK greatly varies depending on the organisation. Some impose mandatory sharing of costs. In this case, clients will often need to create fundraisers to reduce some of the expenses.
On the other hand, UK charity hearing dogs organisations offer their hearing dogs for free to people with hearing impairments. The extensive donations they acquire from patrons allow them to raise, train, and provide hearing dogs without any cost.