The Hertfordshire Branch for the charity 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People' was founded in May 1998. The aim of the branch is to raise funds which can be used to train more Hearing Dogs. The organisation is becoming more and more popular and the membership is increasing year by year.
Why We Do What We Do
Out of 1000 people in Britain, about 200 people will suffer with a hearing loss, but only 85 people from this number may be potential Hearing Dog recipients.
In general the majority of people who suffer from a hearing loss have feelings of isolation and loneliness, but as well as this, they have to cope with social alienation. They are not only cut off from the sounds of conversation but also from signals which represent danger, emergency and alarm.
The charity 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People' aims to train dogs as 'hearing ears' for as many suitable deaf people as apply for them. These dogs will learn to respond to everyday sounds within the home. They are taught to communicate by touch and then lead the deaf person to the source of the sound. Thus the hearing dog will not only provide his deaf owner with greater independence and confidence, but will also give him greater awareness of their environment. These caring dogs will give deaf people a great sense of companionship and a feeling of security.
Who are Hearing Dogs for?
Deaf or hard of hearing people learn of the scheme by many means: through deaf associations, hearing therapists, social workers and general publicity. The Charity applies the following guidelines when accepting an applicant for a hearing dog:
After receipt of an application form and recent audiological assessment, an interview is carried out by a representative from the Charity at the applicant's home before a final decision is made.