Lucy became deaf suddenly, as the result of a rare auto-immune disease called GPA (Granuloma with Polyangitis). Here, she describes the impact of sudden hearing loss on her mental health and how the arrival of hearing dog, Wilbur, helped turn her life around.
I went from being a healthy happy college student, with a part-time job and an active social life, to barely leaving my home.
At my very worst points, I used to sleep a lot so there were fewer waking hours in the day, counting down the hours until bedtime. I have always been close to my family, who have been so loving and supportive, but as soon as I was alone, the anxiety returned.
Hearing loss affected so much of my day-to-day life. Simple things that we all take for granted, like the sound of a doorbell or an alarm clock, I couldn’t hear. I used to sleep with my phone on vibrate so I could feel my alarm going off in the morning. Yet often that wasn’t enough, and I would oversleep, missing important medical appointments. I found it difficult to relax and was always on edge.
I got to the point where I wasn’t really enjoying life and wanted things to change. That’s when my twin sister told me about Hearing Dogs.
From the moment I learned I was on the waiting list for a dog, I felt part of the Hearing Dogs family, and have done so ever since. When they contacted me to say that they’d found a match, I was so happy!
I fell in love with Wilbur straightaway. From the day we met our bond grew and grew and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Now, I would really like to support another deaf person struggling with loneliness and isolation like I did – please can you help?
For years, I had missed out on so much from feeling so isolated. I used to feel self-conscious and vulnerable on my mobility scooter, but with Wilbur by my side, wearing his Hearing Dogs jacket, people are instantly aware of my hearing loss.
Wilbur is helping me to lead a more independent life that isn’t behind closed doors. He’s had such a positive impact on my mental health, and we face every new challenge together.
Before his arrival, I lived life in the shadows, unable to join in. Now, Wilbur brings warmth and connection every single day. I hope you can help me bring this joy to another deaf person this Christmas.
With best wishes,
Lucy and Wilbur
PS Currently, just one in five deaf people who apply to Hearing Dogs can be successfully partnered with their Wilbur.
With your donation, we could increase the number of life-changing hearing dogs we train and match with deaf people. Your support is vital: please can you send a gift today?