A Wiltshire woman who dedicated two decades to assisting deaf pupils has shared how a hearing dog has enabled her to reclaim her life after severe hearing loss left her feeling isolated. Janis Thomas, a retired teaching assistant from Westbury, found herself withdrawing from social interactions and experiencing anxiety at home following the onset of severe tinnitus.
Mrs Thomas, who previously helped deaf children learn to speak, explained that her condition made it difficult to follow conversations, leading to her withdrawal from friends and family. At home, she became increasingly anxious, constantly worrying about not hearing important sounds, such as someone entering her property.
A significant turning point came when Mrs Thomas was paired with Valour, a hearing dog provided by the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. She recalls an early experience with Valour in a supermarket, where he alerted her to a fire alarm by nudging her repeatedly and dropping to the floor – his designated danger signal. Although it turned out to be a test, the incident confirmed Valour's vital role in her safety and peace of mind.
Valour has been living with Mrs Thomas for nine months, and she credits him with significantly boosting her confidence within her home. He alerts her to various crucial sounds, including fire alarms, cooker timers, and knocks at the door. Beyond practical assistance, Valour has also had a profound impact on her social life.
Mrs Thomas, who describes herself as having been a 'chatty person' before her hearing loss, noted that Valour's presence has helped her re-engage with others. She recounted an experience in a charity shop where Valour attracted attention, leading to a conversation with a stranger that soon expanded to three people. This interaction marked a significant step in overcoming years of social withdrawal, making her feel as though she is 'becoming her old self again'.