Three Things To Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids For Your Dog
There's an old adage that suggests hearing is the first of our five senses that will begin to deteriorate as a byproduct of aging. However, did you know that the same principle applies to dogs as well as humans? If your canine companion has stopped responding to the sound of your voice, it may be time for you to consider buying it a hearing aid. Here are three things that every dog owner should consider before purchasing a hearing aid for their pooch.
It Is Not For The Faint Of Heart
Buying your dog a pair of hearing aids should not be viewed as a quick fix, as it is not an easy process. Simply acquiring the hearing aids themselves is a lengthy, multi-step procedure. In addition to having your dog's ears examined, the dog must also undergo the process of fitting and fine-tuning the devices; a task that many dogs just aren't up to.Once you take your dog home, the dog must then be subjected to the rigorous process of adapting to the hearing aids. The entire household must alter their behavior patterns in order to better accommodate the training procedure. Dog's ripping the hearing aids from their ears and breaking them is not a rare occurrence.
It Can Be Very Expensive
Are you and your dog living on a tight budget? If so, a hearing aid probably isn't the smartest investment of your money. Because most hearing aids cost between $3,000 and $5,000 dollars, they simply are not economically viable for many dog owners.
It Will Not Completely Restore Your Dog's Hearing
While many people are under the impression that hearing aids will result in a complete restoration of their dog's ability to hear, the reality of the situation is long way off. There is a distinct limit to the amount of hearing that can be restored through the use of external devices. Furthermore, a great deal of distortion comes with the use of hearing aids, and many dogs can become frightened by the new sounds. High-pitched ringing is also a common side effect, and is but one of many that will deter your dog from properly adapting to the new hearing aids.
When all is said and done, not every owner nor is every dog a suitable candidate for dog hearing aids. Before purchasing your dog a pair of hearing aids, it is important that you ask yourself if you are willing to invest the time, money, and frustration that goes along with it.
If while thinking about your dog's hearing you come to realize you might need to some hearing help too, visit a business like Abingdon Falls Plaza Hearing Center to learn more about hearing loss in humans.