Happy National Hearing Dog Day!
Dawn, a part-time Registered Nurse, has lived with hearing loss for over 40 years. She managed her hearing loss with bilateral cochlear implants, the support of her family, and previously, a range of different hearing aids. While these tools helped, Dawn still found herself struggling in certain situations and didn’t feel she was managing as well as she could.
“I found social and community events very overwhelming and upon reflection was starting to isolate myself. At times, I experience hearing fatigue and would have time at home without my cochlear implants.’
When her beloved grandson came into her life, Dawn embraced her new role as a grandmother with joy. However, both she and her family grew increasingly concerned for her safety—especially when she was home alone and caring for him. There were times she might need to hear him but couldn’t, which added to their worries.
After Dawn’s daughter saw an advertisement for Australian Lions Hearing Dogs at their local shopping centre, they attended the annual Open Day to learn more about our Hearing Assistance Dogs. From there, Dawn was matched with Earnest, her first Hearing Assistance Dog – and what a match it turned out to be.
After patiently waiting for 15 months, the day finally arrived – Earnest and his Trainer showed up on Dawn’s doorstep, ready to start their journey together. With three months of follow-up training supported by their local Lions Club, and thanks to the generous support from Specsavers Audiology, Earnest completed his full Hearing Assistance Dog training. Just in time for Christmas, Dawn and Earnest officially became an accredited Hearing Assistance Dog team.
Since Earnest came into Dawn’s life, her outlook and mindset have changed dramatically. “He has changed my life! He has given me my independence back. He has given me a newfound confidence in embracing my hearing loss, and I feel proud to have him by my side when I am out in the community.”
Dawn didn’t realise how much she was relying on her family to support her with her Hearing loss – now both Dawn and her family have that extra piece of mind with Earnest’s lifesaving support. “My husband feels at ease now if I am at home by myself. He has confidence that Earnest will alert me if there is ever an emergency.” Dawn has been able to confidently stay at home alone as well as look after her beloved grandson. Earnest alerts Dawn if there is someone at the door, if her phone is ringing, the oven timer going off and also when the smoke alarm goes off. He also picks up her grandson’s voice, giving Dawn and her family the reassurance they need.
As well as alerting to sounds at home, Earnest also accompanies Dawn out in public, providing a much-needed confidence boost. Where she once struggled at community events and found herself slowly withdrawing, Earnest has given her the courage to reconnect. “Earnest has allowed me to return to completing everyday tasks, like food shopping, attending the gym, going to medical appointments, and enjoying social gatherings.”
Despite her cochlear implants, there are still sounds Dawn can’t hear—especially if they’re behind her or further away. Now, Earnest proudly serves as her second set of ears, helping her feel safer and more supported wherever she goes.
“Earnest means everything to me. I am so thankful that he came into my life. I appreciate all the work the wonderful staff and volunteers at Australian Lions Hearing Dogs have poured into training Earnest, and of course a big thank you to Earnest’s sponsor Specsavers.”
