What is a "hearing dog"?

A hearing dog is a specially trained canine that assists individuals with hearing loss by alerting them to various sounds and providing auditory cues. These dogs are trained to respond to specific sounds such as doorbells, alarm clocks, sirens, or other important sounds that may signal danger or require attention. When a hearing dog hears a sound, it will typically make physical contact with its owner, such as nudging or pawing, to get their attention and lead them towards the source of the sound. Hearing dogs can greatly enhance the independence and safety of individuals with hearing loss by providing valuable auditory assistance and helping them navigate their environment more effectively.