A hearing dog is a specially trained service dog that assists individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These dogs are taught to alert their handlers to important sounds, such as doorbells, alarms, or a baby crying. By providing this support, hearing dogs help enhance the independence and safety of their owners. Hearing dogs undergo rigorous training to recognize specific sounds and respond by nudging or pawing their handler. They are often paired with their owners through organizations that specialize in service dog training. This partnership fosters a strong bond, allowing the handler to navigate their environment more confidently.