Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may find it difficult to adjust to their own lives; especially when they are surrounded by others who possess the auditory abilities that they lack. Because of this, these individuals may struggle fitting in socially or may feel socially isolated. Also in an effort to complete even a simple task (i.e. waiting for the doorbell to ring), deaf or hard of hearing individuals would have to rely more on their other senses (most likely their vision). This at times can be very exhausting for the individual and may get in the way of their other daily important tasks. Because of these potential obstacles for people within the deaf community, services and programs were created in an attempt to meet the societal needs of these people.
There are programs that offer services to the deaf/hard of hearing community through the implementation of assistance dogs. According to the Assistance Dogs International, a coalition of non-profit dog organizations around the world that work together to set training standards for assistance dogs industries, hearing dogs are specifically trained to alert and guide deaf or hard of hearing individuals to a variety of sounds. Upon hearing a sound, the hearing dog is expected to alert the client through physical contact and indicate the source of the sound. Out in public, the dog is also trained to react to sounds around them so that the client is aware of what is going on in their environment. Hearing dogs are often identified wearing blaze orange collars, leashes and vests when out in public.
Hearing dogs would first go through temperament evaluation, obedience training, socialization, and sound training. They must be able to respond to basic obedience commands from their trainer 90% of the time. Obedience skills include responding to verbal commands or hand signals of sitting, staying in place, lying down, walking in a controlled position near the trainer/client and coming to the trainer/client when called. These dogs must be trained to remain alert and respond within 15 seconds from the start of a sound. Clients are also expected to follow the criteria for the ADI Minimum Standards for Assistance Dogs. They should be able to obtain the knowledge of acceptable training techniques and incorporate them when teaching additional skills to their dog. Clients are also fully responsible for the general care and health of the dog.
In March 2014 at Cedar Point, OH, Chris Goodier formed a quick bond with her new dog Raylene. Raylene was a black Labrador who was first raised by Guide Dogs for the Blind but was considered unfit due to a minor cataract in one eye. She was then rescued by DFD (Dogs for the Deaf) and retrained to become a hearing dog. Goodier is completely deaf in her left ear and partially deaf in her right ear. Before having Raylene, she had to rely heavily on her husband to notify her of any noises in her surroundings, including doorbells, alarm clocks, telephones, name calls and smoke alarm.
“Safety is a big concern for deaf people who aren’t aware if an accident is about to happen behind them or if someone is calling to get their attention in an emergency”. Like many other hearing dogs, Raylene was trained to make physical contact with her owner when she hears a sound (touching Goodier with her nose) and indicate where the sound is coming from (walking towards the sound and sitting near it). Having Raylene beside her not only informs other people of Goodier’s auditory impairment, but she also provides a calming and motivating atmosphere in her own home. Raylene was said to be very active and that she “knows how to cuddle”. Her trainer, Carrie Brooks, was a certified assistance dog trainer with DFD and matched Raylene with Goodier since they share similar lifestyles. Because she was very active, Goodier was able to take her to her many travels. Raylene was also able to easily settle in when they are at home. “’Mostly, she is just a big help around the house, especially when my husband is at work. We joke that he has been my hearing dog for years, so it will take a load off him’” ("Certified hearing dog helps Cedar Point woman find freedom" by K. Hansen, 2014).
Hearing dogs can provide the necessary services and the charismatic effect on families within the deaf/hard of hearing community. They are given a chance to be of great use and service as well as being an essential part of their families. These dogs not only positively change the lives of their owners, but their own lives are positively affected as well.
