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Imagine living in a world without sound. When asked to do this, many people probably think about the sounds they enjoy, like music or laughter. Others will think about all the sounds that we need to hear, like instructions from a manager or a car horn honking at us. Those who are deaf can be in danger because they cannot hear warning sounds. Hearing dogs alert their handlers to many sounds that indicate hazards: the sound of a bus or streetcar approaching as they cross the street, people shouting a warning about a dangerous situation, or construction noise from a nearby worksite. At home, they let their handler know if the doorbell rings or a smoke alarm goes off. These specially trained companion animals alert their people to different sounds by nudging them with their nose or body. How they alert their humans depends on their training and the type of sound. Over a period of time, which can be as short as a few months depending on the dog, companion animals learn to recognize different sounds and what to do when they hear them. In the case of a doorbell, a dog might lead her human to the door to let her know someone is there. Or a dog might nose his handler and then look toward a potential danger, like a car approaching the sidewalk where they are standing. Hearing dogs cannot replace a person’s hearing, but they can help that person stay safe as they move through the world.
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