Partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs

Severe or profound deafness is experienced by 1 in 100 adults/older people. If acquired in adulthood/old age, as is more common, it is very unlikely that medical intervention (e.g. cochlear implant, hearing aid) will be beneficial. Thus, the objective of any intervention is supporting adjustment to hearing loss and preventing the negative social, economic and health outcomes associated with hearing loss.

Whilst government recognises the importance of holistic care of this population, access to social care support from the public sector is extremely limited. Local Authority Sensory Impairment Teams offer advice and signpost to other sources of support, and short-term rehabilitation may be available.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a charitable organisation that creates and supports partnerships between specially trained dogs and individuals with severe or profound hearing impairments. This study was a realist evaluation of these partnerships. It examined the outcomes, costs, and experiences of users and service providers. It also investigated the interface between this intervention and support from statutory agencies. The study included a randomised controlled trial, economic evaluation, and nested qualitative evaluation. It was the most robust evaluation of hearing dogs conducted, contributing to methodological debates on evaluating complex interventions.

Publication

Stuttard, L., Boyle, P., Fairhurst, C. et al. Hearing dogs for people with severe and profound hearing loss: a wait-list design randomised controlled trial investigating their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Trials 22, 700 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05607-9