Hearing and Service Dogs: An Alternative Assistive Technology

Principal Investigator: Shirley Fitzgerald, PhD

Co-Investigator(s): Diane Collins, PhD, OTR/L; Stephanie G. Martin, BS; Rosemarie Cooper, MPT; Bob Milan, BA; Annmarie Kelleher, OTR/L

Funding Source: VA RR&D

Objectives

This project attempts to answer questions specifically dealing with the functionality of assistance dogs.  Specifically, 1) determine the functional tasks that can be performed by assistance dogs versus other assistive devices 2) determine the reliability of assistance dogs versus other types of assistive devices 3) determine whether assistance dogs can reduce caregiver utilization more than other types of assistive devices and 4) determine the effectiveness of assistance dog training.

Research Design

This study has two pilot studies.  Subjects in Study 1 will encompass 120 individuals who use assistance dogs and a similar group of 90 subjects will not use assistance dogs.   Study 2 will be a sub-population of study 1.

Methodology

Study 1 will query individuals regarding the assistive technology that they use.  Questions that will be asked will include types of assistive technology used, participant satisfaction with their use, the delivery of the technology as well as the reliability and care needed to maintain the technology.  Additional questions will be asked regarding quality of life and caregiver utilization.  In addition, people who have assistance dogs will be asked about the tasks that their dogs assist them with, and how they would do the tasks should they not have their assistance dog.  In study 2, individuals will be asked to complete a functional assessment regarding activities of daily living and their independence level and perceived exertion on completion of those activities.  Usage of their assistance dog will be noted, along with other forms of assistive technology.

Clinical Relationship

Assistance dogs (service and hearing) are trained to aid individuals who have disabilities with various tasks.  Specifically, service dogs are trained to assist individuals who have mobility problems with functional tasks and community participation.  Hearing dogs are trained to act as the ears for deaf or severely hearing-impaired individuals by alerting their owners to respond to important environmental cues, such as doorbells, telephones, fire alarms, or the persons’ name.  Overall, assistance dogs are similar to assistive technology as they can greatly mitigate the extent to which impairment results in disability.  However, the benefits that these dogs afford their partner may go well beyond those provided by mechanical devices; additional benefits can result in constant companionship, enhanced feelings of personal safety, and social connections with others.