Deaf Woman’s Life Transformed by Hearing Dog Support

Alison Wallace, a woman from Flintshire, Wales, suddenly lost her hearing overnight at age 13 due to a rare autoimmune inner ear condition, with her hearing fluctuating for six years before disappearing completely in 2020. During her struggle, Alison faced significant challenges including plummeting self-esteem, recurring nightmares, and social isolation, compounded by a distressing incident in 2018 where she was spat on and mocked for using sign language in public. A major turning point came when she was paired with Damson, a hearing dog trained by the UK charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, in 2019. Damson alerts Alison to vital sounds such as doorbells and smoke alarms and provides emotional support that has transformed her mental health and independence. Since receiving Damson, Alison has passed her driving test, moved in with her partner, and they are now expecting their first child. Alison describes Damson as not only her ears but also her best friend, highlighting the profound impact of the dog on her life and wellbeing.