For many of us animal lovers, we don’t really need an excuse to reach out to the local shelter in search for our newest furry best friend. If we did need extra motivation to considering adopting a pet, then we can add assisting with issues associated with hearing loss to that list!
Hearing Loss and Social Isolation
Unfortunately, social isolation is one of the most common issues accompanied with untreated hearing loss. It makes sense why. When holding conversations with others (especially in groups or noisy environments) becomes difficult and frustrating, then socializing loses much of its appeal. Thus, many people with untreated hearing loss opt to stay home rather than go out, leading to social isolation, loneliness and a general disconnect from the people they love.
Even more seriously, social isolation doesn’t just make one sad and lonely. Social isolation can actually have majorly detrimental effects on one’s overall health as well, namely, an increased risk for developing dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How Pets Help with Social Isolation
Man’s best friend to the rescue! Daily walks can go a long way in alleviating social isolation, and like it or not – our pups will certainly ensure we make it out of the house at least once a day! Walking your dog at a similar time of the day each day, will likely lead to running into your neighbors doing the same, sparking connections and conversations.
Dog parks are also a really great way to spend some time with fellow dog lovers and potentially meet genuine new friends. Even if you don’t end up being best friends with the folks at your local dog park, the conversations and connections you make will go a long way in alleviating the feeling of loneliness you may feel if you simply stayed at home.
Our pets can also help to alleviate the feelings of social isolation when inside too. When we have a pet with us in our home, we tend to feel a little bit less alone, and a little more connected to love and the world around us.
Hearing Loss and Physical Health
People with hearing loss can be at a greater risk of developing some pretty serious health conditions when compared to their peers without hearing loss. Two of the most serious are cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women throughout the world, and claim the lives of about 610,000 Americans each year. Diabetes takes about 80,000 American lives each year. Did you know that cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and Diabetes can also make you more prone to hearing loss and Tinnitus? Hearing loss is actually a very common comorbidity to many health ailments. The best way to know if you’ve suffered hearing loss from a medical condition or prescription medication, is to have a yearly hearing test to establish a baseline.
How Pets Help with Physical Health
When begging for their nightly walk, those puppy dog eyes whimpering at you may be looking out for your health more than the pup’s! The CDC recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days per week. One of the recommended ways to accomplish this? You guessed it. Walks! Getting the motivation to get off the couch and go for a walk can sometimes be lacking when you are on your own, but walking with a furry best friend firstly feels less isolating, and secondly gives us more motivation to actually get up and do it.
Pets and Hearing Aids
No matter how you slice it, pets are an important part of our world. Studies have found that people who have pets later in life live longer, report higher levels of happiness and self-esteem, and even stay healthier longer. It can be argued that pets are a medicine in and of themselves!
It’s undeniable the benefit pets bring to our lives; however, they unfortunately cannot treat our hearing loss. Adopting a cat won’t make hearing your wife easier and walking your dog won’t bring back the pleasant sounds of birds chirping you used to enjoy.
If you have noticed changes in your hearing, it is important to reach out to our team at Hearing Wellness Solutions for a hearing screen today. Choosing to treat your hearing loss with hearing aids has been proven to bring innumerable benefits to many areas of your life. Who knew hearing aids and pets had so much in common?
