What to Know about Applying for a Hearing Dog
Due to our extensive wait list, IHDI is not accepting new applications so that our team can focus on serving those currently waiting for a life-changing hearing dog. We encourage you to check out other service dog programs and trainers who may be able to assist you through Assistance Dogs International listings.
IHDI's applicants are some of the 50 million Americans who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, across all demographics. Being d/Deaf or hard of hearing can impact all areas of an individual's life - from daily living to education to employment to personal relationships. A hearing dog that alerts to important sounds allows d/Deaf or hard of hearing individuals gain greater independence, enjoy increased peace of mind regarding their safety, and benefit from the power of the human-animal bond they share with their dog.
Applicant Criteria
IHDI's service is open to all adults who meet these criteria for a hearing dog:
- Adults age 18 or older
- d/Deaf or have bilateral and profound hearing loss, unaided (exceptions may be made on a case by case basis)
- Live alone, with dependents, or with others who are d/Deaf or have bilateral and profound hearing loss (exceptions may be made on a case by case basis)
- No other dogs in the home (exceptions are made for IHDI retired hearing dogs)
- Are able to complete, at their own expense, training both onsite at IHDI's Denver facility for 8-10 days and online training through a Google Classroom
- Are financially, physically, psychologically, and cognitively able to provide a hearing dog's care, exercise, and ongoing training for many years
- Are committed to ongoing daily training with their dog and able to have their dog with them nearly always (advance approval from employer is required)
IHDI’s Non-Discrimination Policy: IHDI strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against applicants, clients or any other covered person because of race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; sex (including gender, gender identity or expression, orientation and pregnancy); age 40 and over; physical or mental disability; Veteran status; genetic information; citizenship; language; family or marital status; political affiliation; socioeconomic status; or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Expectations
At IHDI, we are committed to reaching the people who would most benefit from our services. We understand that d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals face challenges in everyday living. Yet, we want to emphasize that our application process is thorough. When our application process is open, it may take our Application Committee up to three months to review and make a determination about an application. For those applicants that are accepted, there are additional steps, as outlined below, and please realize that it may take up to an additional two years for an IHDI dog. Therefore, we encourage anyone considering to apply for a hearing dog to evaluate carefully if such a wait period makes sense. We also strongly encourage applicants to apply to other service dog organizations, or, depending upon goals, consider adopting a companion dog.
The Application Process entails the following:
- Completion and submission of the application by the applicant
- A comprehensive review of the application by IHDI
- If determined that IHDI is an appropriate option for the applicant, IHDI will request critical supporting documentation. Please note that how long it takes the applicant to return that documentation to IHDI will significantly impact the length of the application period
- If the application with supporting documentation is approved, a virtual interview will be scheduled with the applicant. If both the applicant and IHDI determine after the interview that IHDI is a good fit, the applicant will be added to the IHDI waitlist
- Next steps involve online reading and training in our virtual Google Classroom and further determination of a good client-dog match.
Before completing our application, please pause and critically consider if, as an applicant, you are at the point in your life to devote the time, energy, and resources required to become the person in a successful hearing dog team. Having a hearing dog is a serious, long-term commitment and entails significant responsibilities. Additionally, a hearing dog is not an intervention that is fitting for all d/Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
It is imperative to understand that a service dog is, first and foremost, a dog. They need attention, care, food, ongoing training, grooming, oral care, exercise, playtime, enrichment, veterinary care. And, like all dogs, they will incur expenses – sometimes extensive costs. Further, if an applicant becomes a client and is partnered with an IHDI dog, it means that you have become one half of a two-member team, and suddenly, wherever you go, whatever you do, the dog team member must accompany you. Many individuals find that level of involvement is stifling and constraining. Finally, when accepting an IHDI dog, you commit to providing them a safe, secure, and loving forever home, continuing their ongoing training, and upholding IHDI's standards.
Team Training Requirement
IHDI works hard to evaluate applicants based on their needs and circumstances. After applicants are accepted as clients, we match them with dogs that best suit their needs and requirements. Each dog receives extensive public access training as well as being custom-trained to work for sounds critical to the clients. Each client is required to complete online classes and travel, at their own expense, to IHDI for 8-10 days of Team Training.
