Specsavers Audiology is sponsoring redevelopment of the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs training centre, a move which will more than triple the number of dogs being trained and delivered to people in need.
Australian Lions Hearing Dogs (ALHD) has provided Hearing Assistance Dogs free to deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians since 1980.
For the past five years, Specsavers Audiology has been sponsoring ALHD to expand its training centre and said council planning had now been approved for the redevelopment in Verdun, in the Adelaide Hills.
“When our partnership with ALHD began, there was a two-year waiting list for these specially trained dogs,” Specsavers said in a statement. “But when the redevelopment is complete, ALHD will more than triple the number of dogs being trained and delivered to people in need.”
The centre’s expansion will also give ALHD capacity to grow its programs including its bed and breakfast program. This enables more volunteers to provide the dogs with care and socialisation outside of their training, essential for their development into assistance dogs.
The alignment of the two brands means continued support for more Australians to thrive, Specsavers said.
Mr David Horne, CEO at ALHD said: “The greatest change we’ve seen in recipients is undoubtedly their confidence. It’s heart-warming to hear of those who felt safe only within their homes, now enjoying a fuller and independent life with their Hearing Dog by their side.”
Earnest provides another set of ears for Dawn
Adelaide nurse Dawn is the latest recipient of a Hearing Dog from ALHD. Dawn has been profoundly Deaf for more than 40 years, and has long relied on family for help.
Now she has the black labradoodle Earnest that Specsavers named, finding ‘EARnest’ a perfect fit.
Before Earnest, Dawn found social events overwhelming and began isolating herself. Her family also became concerned when she was home alone, and caring for her grandson.
“Earnest has changed my life!” she said. “He’s given me my independence back and a newfound confidence in embracing my hearing loss.”
As Lions Hearing Assistance Dogs have full Public Access Rights, they can go everywhere their recipient goes.
“Earnest has allowed me to return to completing everyday tasks like food shopping, the gym, medical appointments, social gatherings and looking after my young grandson,” Dawn said.
“He alerts me if someone is at the front door or if my phone is ringing. My husband feels at ease now if I’m home by myself – he’s confident Earnest will alert me if there’s ever an emergency.
“I’m so grateful every day for Earnest, and looking forward to the adventures we’ll have together. I appreciate the work the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs have poured into training Earnest, and of course a big thank you to Earnest’s sponsor Specsavers.”
In 2020, ALHD delivered more than 650 Australians a professionally trained Hearing Assistance Dog.
ALHD said hearing aids and cochlear implants did not work for everyone living with hearing loss and people don’t wear their devices all the time, for example, they remove their hearing aid when going to bed.
“Whether as stand-alone or complementary assistance to hearing aid devices, the Hearing Assistance Dogs provide help in day-to-day living, and provide an added level of assurance and emotional connectedness in peoples’ lives,” ALHD said.
