Wirral's independent local news website
A profoundly deaf woman from Wirral credits her specially-trained hearing dog with helping her reclaim her independence, rebuild her confidence, and reconnect with the world around her.
Joanne, 62, became deaf at the age of three after contracting measles. Over the years, her hearing deteriorated further, to the point where she is now profoundly deaf in one ear and has only 50% hearing in the other.
Joanne explains that, as an adult, her family effectively became her ‘ears’. “They would tell me if someone was at the front door or if the cooker timer went off. And when I left the house, I was never alone.
“It was only when I got divorced that I suddenly realised how much I’d been missing. That’s when I started to lose confidence”, explained Joanne. “Being on my own in the house, particularly at night, made me feel very anxious. At the same time though, I didn’t have the confidence to go out on my own.
“After a while, I just withdrew. I don’t even think it was a conscious decision – it just happened. And that wasn’t me – I’m an outgoing person. I didn’t like where my life was heading.”
Everything changed when Joanne saw someone with a hearing dog. “I hadn’t even realised that Hearing Dogs existed, but when I visited the charity’s website and read stories of how the dogs had helped people, it sounded perfect for me.”
Joanne was matched with Peach, a black Miniature Poodle, and couldn’t contain her emotion when she was told the news. “I was at work when I found out, and I just burst into tears.”
Since meeting Peach, Joanne has never looked back.
“Peach makes me feel safe when I’m in the house. She tells me if the smoke alarm goes off and I never miss people at the front door now. Even though I’m deaf, I still hear sounds; I just can’t identify them. Now, if Peach doesn’t react to a sound, I know it’s nothing to worry about.
“I go out for walks with her in the evening now, which I’d never have done before on my own. Just having her with me gives me more confidence. It’s like being out with your best friend.”
Joanne’s newfound confidence extends beyond her home too. “I don’t hesitate to go out with girlfriends now to restaurants, pubs and for coffees. I’ve even gone to Liverpool by train on my own – something I would never have done without Peach.”
Joanne works for a higher education college, delivering training to NHS apprentices, so spends most of her time in hospitals or GP surgeries, where Peach is very much part of the team.
“I used to find classroom teaching very difficult, but Peach’s burgundy Hearing Dogs jacket helps students recognise that I have hearing difficulties, which breaks down barriers.
“She’s also a source of comfort to students with learning difficulties and disabilities. And she has a second job – providing cuddles and stress relief for NHS staff!
Reflecting on the difference Peach has made to her life, Joanne said, “When I think back to what I thought having a hearing dog would do for me, Peach has lived up to – and surpassed – all my expectations and beyond. I wouldn’t be without her.”
Image: Jo (right in white top) with Peach and her team
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