Meet Carolyn and her devoted Hearing Assistance Dog, Ollie.
Carolyn lives in rural South Australia and has a deep love for her family and community. She is a proud mother of two daughters, two amazing son-in-laws, a grandmother to five grandchildren, and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandchild. Carolyn has been actively involved with the Lions community since 2002 and currently serves as Immediate Past District Governor MD201C2. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, knitting and word puzzles.
Carolyn shared many wonderful years of life with her beloved husband, Roger, whose work took their family to many places across South Australia. Together they raised their daughters and built a strong and supportive family.
Carolyn was born with hearing loss, although it remained undiagnosed until she was 21 years old. For many years this created misunderstandings both for Carolyn and those around her. When she was finally diagnosed with profound hearing loss, she was told that she would likely require a cochlear implant in the future — something that felt overwhelming at the time.
As her hearing gradually deteriorated following the birth of her daughters, Carolyn found herself increasingly withdrawing from the world around her.
“Those who have travelled this pathway know it can be very lonely. It affects your self-confidence, your sense of self-worth and your ability to communicate effectively.”
Like many people living with hearing loss, Carolyn relied heavily on lipreading, facial expressions and body language to understand conversations. Determined to find ways to communicate and support others facing similar challenges, she studied Auslan and later became deeply involved in hearing support and education.
Carolyn went on to gain a Diploma in Aural Rehabilitation and Lipreading to Adults, and worked at Hearing Solutions for 25 years, providing information, education and communication skills training to people living with hearing loss.
In 2002, Carolyn received her first cochlear implant, followed by a second in 2007. While wearing her speech processors she is able to understand speech, but without them she hears nothing.
Before Ollie came into her life, this created real concerns for Carolyn at home.
“I wouldn’t hear Roger calling out if he needed assistance during the night,” she explains. “I would often lie half awake, listening and checking on him throughout the day because I was worried I might miss something important.”
There were also safety concerns, such as not being able to hear smoke detectors, alarms or someone at the door — especially at night or when travelling.
This is what led Carolyn to apply for a Hearing Assistance Dog.
Today, Ollie plays an essential role in Carolyn’s life. He alerts her to alarms, smoke detectors, doorbells, timers and other important sounds both at home and when she is away.
“For me, having a Hearing Assistance Dog means feeling safe and confident,” Carolyn says. “In public, Ollie is also a visual reminder to others that yes — I do have a hearing loss.”
Ollie also begins Carolyn’s day in the happiest way possible. “When my morning alarm goes off, I’m woken up by a very happy bundle of joy.”
Beyond his important work, Ollie brings plenty of personality into Carolyn’s life. “He’s a bundle of joy and kindness,” she says. “He loves his squeaky toys, tummy rubs and enjoys teasing me with his ball.”
Ollie even has his own clever ways of communicating, he’ll sometimes lead her to the fridge when he thinks it’s time for food! The pair enjoy daily walks together, and Ollie especially loves playtime and meeting people out in the community.
“Everyone smiles when they see Ollie. People are very respectful of his ‘Do Not Pat’ vest, and I’m always proud to walk with him when he’s in uniform.”
Most importantly, Ollie brings Carolyn companionship, reassurance and peace of mind. “Ollie brings a smile to my face every day. He gives me a wonderful sense of security because I know he will alert me when alarms or important sounds occur.”
Carolyn feels incredibly grateful to have Ollie in her life. “As a profoundly hearing impaired person, I feel very blessed to have Lions Hearing Assistance Dog Ollie. I thank everyone who has been involved in his training. Their work has made such a difference in my life.”
Together, Carolyn and Ollie show how a Hearing Assistance Dog provides independence, safety, and companionship while enhancing confidence at home and in the community.
Thank you to Carolyn and Ollie for sharing their story for National Hearing Dog Day.
