Hearing Dog FAQs

Who Qualifies for a Hearing Dog?
Priority Hearing Dog candidates are adults over the age of 18 who:

have at least a 65 decibel hearing loss (unaided)
live alone or with other persons who are deaf or hard of hearing (one hearing person living with applicant will
be considered)
do not have another dog in the home
are physically able and willing to care for and continue the training of a hearing dog

Note: Applicants who feel they do not meet the exact above criteria should not be discouraged from applying, as each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Big are Hearing Dogs?
Hearing dogs come in many sizes: small (up to 20 lbs.), medium (20 - 35 lbs.), large (35-50 lbs.)

How Much does a Hearing Dog Cost?
Hearing Dogs are provided free of charge to those who receive them. The cost to train and place one dog is $7,000. This expense is paid for through the kindness of individuals and service clubs, foundation grants, and IHDI fund-raising activities, such as Adopt-A-Dog or Silent Partner sponsorships.

How Long Does it Take to Receive a Hearing Dog?
There is a waiting list of approximately six months to a year, however, most successful applicants receive their Hearing Dog within one year of applying. Each dog is custom trained to meet the needs of each applicant. Dogs trained for persons with special needs may require more time. Great care is taken to make a good match between applicant and dog. Activity level, lifestyle, and health of the applicant are all considered.

Can My Dog Become a Hearing Dog?
IHDI's by-laws require that all dogs be selected from local animal shelters and evaluated by its trainers. Each dog must meet standards of health, intelligence, youth and temperament. Chosen expressly for these traits, these formerly unwanted or abandon dogs are given a second chance and become the way to a new and broader life for their deaf masters. Due to liability concerns, personal pets cannot be trained nor can we accept private donations of dogs.

I Live in Another State. Can I Still Apply for a Hearing Dog?
Yes. IHDI’s headquarters and training facility is located near Denver, Colorado, but dogs are placed with persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing throughout the U.S. and Canada.

What if I Don’t Qualify for a Hearing Dog but Need the Companionship of a Good Dog?
IHDI also chooses and trains Therapy-Companion Dogs to help people who do not have 65 decibels of hearing loss but live alone, are alone many hours of the day or are elderly, and need the companionship of a gentle and well-socialized dog.