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My Mom is late-deafened, and she has an awesome hearing dog. Because she was not deaf before, sometimes public places can be a bit overwhelming, especially when there is a lot of noise and she can't understand or differentiate any of it. Since my Mom got her dog, she has felt so much more relaxed and confident. He alerts her to her name being called, alarms, the doorbell, the phone, etc. It also helps in public to have a dog because people understand that my Mom can't hear, so they make sure they get her attention visually and look at her when speaking (she reads lips). Hearing dogs are incredibly well-trained and dedicated animals.
Hearing folks can help anyone who uses a service dog by not bothering the dog or asking the person a bunch of questions about the dog. Also, if you are in a situation where someone is being denied access because of their dog, take an opportunity to stick up for them, let it be known that you as a customer and as a hearing person care about equal access.
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