Hearing dogs are specially trained to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds in their environment. These dogs provide both safety and independence by acting as their owner’s ears.
What Sounds Do Hearing Dogs Respond To?
Hearing dogs are trained to recognize and alert their owners to sounds such as:
- Doorbells or knocks at the door
- Telephone ringing
- Someone calling their owner’s name
- Alarm clocks
- Baby crying
- Household appliances (microwave, kettle, washer/dryer)
One of the most remarkable aspects of a hearing dog’s training is that they must listen for everything but only respond to specific sounds. For example, a deaf owner might need their dog to alert them to a telephone ringing, but a service dog assisting a physically disabled person might be trained to retrieve the phone instead.
The video below shows some more differences between the jobs of a hearing dog and a service dog.
What Breeds Make Good Hearing Dogs?
Certain breeds are better suited for hearing dog work due to their temperament, intelligence, and trainability. Some commonly chosen breeds include:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Miniature Poodles
- Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix)
- Labradors & Golden Retrievers
These breeds tend to be obedient, adaptable, and comfortable in family environments. Mixed breeds with similar characteristics are also considered for training.
How Can You Recognize a Hearing Dog?
Hearing dogs wear distinctive gear to indicate their role. Their appearance varies by country:
United States – Bright orange leash and collar, sometimes a vest or cape
United Kingdom – Burgundy jacket with the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People logo
Australia – Bright orange leash, collar, harness, and an ID card
Japan – Similar to Australia, with mandatory identification
In countries like Australia and Japan, hearing dogs have legal public access rights similar to service dogs. This means they are allowed in public places, even where animals are typically restricted.
Accreditation: What Makes a Dog an Official Hearing Dog?
For a dog to be legally recognized as a hearing dog, they must meet training requirements set by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Without this accreditation, a trained dog may still help their owner at home but will not have the same legal rights as a service animal in public places.
Accredited hearing dogs in the US and Australia can accompany their owners anywhere that is open to the public—including restaurants, stores, and public transport.
Some countries do not have hearing dogs due to legal restrictions or lack of awareness. If hearing dogs aren’t granted public access, their usefulness is significantly reduced.
Hearing Dogs in Action
Hearing dogs provide invaluable support by bridging the gap between sounds and awareness for their owners. To see how a hearing dog can assist a deaf person in daily life, check out Actor John Barrowman’s day with the help of a hearing dog.
Hearing Dog Organizations
For more information on assistance programs, hearing dogs, how to donate, or support via gift shops, visit the following organizations:
- International Hearing Dog, Inc (US)
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (UK)
- Australian Lions Hearing Dogs (Australia)
- Lions Foundation of Canada
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (Japan)
- Hearing Dogs (New Zealand)