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Just as guide dogs have proven to be great living companions for the blind, hearing dogs are becoming increasingly popular for people who are deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH). Doorbells, smoke alarms, ringing telephones or alarm clocks no longer go unnoticed by D/HH owners thanks to these faithful companions.
Hearing dogs usually spend four to six months in training, learning how to alert their future owners to sounds in their environment. Dogs for the Deaf trains its dogs to respond to the sounds related to seven common household items: fi re and smoke alarms, telephones, oven timers, alarm clocks, doorbells and knocks at the door and the calling of their owner’s name. The dogs are sometimes trained to respond to a baby crying, as well. Once the dog is placed, owners can easily teach dogs to recognize other sounds, such as those associated with a microwave oven, tea kettle and washer and dryer. And their work isn’t limited to inside the house. Hearing dogs certifi ed for public access help their owners be more aware of their environment on the street, in the shopping mall and other public spaces.
Generally, applicants for a hearing dog are not required to pay for the training but they are required to submit an application fee. Some organizations require a deposit to guarantee that the dog is kept for one year; after this initial period, the money is refunded.
Some of the things considered by the placing organizations are the home environment (other pets, a fenced area for the hearing dog, adequate exercise space), fi nancial commitment ($750 to $1500 a year for food and care) and the personal skills necessary to physically, mentally and emotionally care for the hearing dog without assistance. Some organizations require attendance at dog obedience training classes or the hiring of a private obedience trainer.
The canines must meet eligibility criteria as well. Hearing dogs must demonstrate certain qualities, such as being people-friendly, confident and motivated by toys, treats and affection. Many organizations who train hearing dogs adopt them from shelters, looking for just the right traits to make a successful hearing dog.
Hearing dogs often wear an orange collar or identifying vest which may have the words “Hearing Dog” on it. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, hearing dogs have access to any place open to the general public.
List of Hearing Dog Organizations
International Hearing Dog
5901 E. 89th Avenue
Henderson, CO 80640
303.287.3277 Voice/TDD
www.ihdi.org
Dogs for the Deaf
10175 Wheeler Road
Central Point, OR 97502
541.826.9220 Voice
www.dogsforthedeaf.org
