Have you ever found yourself in a noisy situation and unable to hear what people are saying? Whatever your level of hearing, you might benefit from learning how to lipread to help understand the conversation a bit better.
Everybody can lipread to some extent and often it is only when your hearing lets you down that you start to you put this skill to the test. This can be improved with practice and an understanding of lip shapes. It is possible to lipread about 30% of a conversation but combined with other visual clues, some hearing and knowing the context, this can be increased.
Lip reading involves watching a speaker more closely to decipher their speech patterns, movements, gestures and expressions. It is therefore only effective when you can clearly see the face and mouth of the speaker.
There are some useful online courses available but the best way to learn is from a teacher by attending a lipreading class where you can practice with other people. Classes are taught by qualified teachers and are informal and friendly. The ATLA (Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults) has a list of teachers available in your area.
So what are the advantages?
It helps you to better understand speech in noisy situations.
Hearing ability changes as we age and can be affected by illness or damage to the ear. A condition known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) where your hearing suddenly drops can happen to anyone at any moment in time and even if you had perfect hearing before. This condition is a medical emergency and affects the inner ear. Quick medical diagnosis and intervention is crucial to access treatment and help prevent permanent hearing loss.
It can be a lifesaver if you lose more hearing.
Hearing ability changes as we age and can be affected by illness or damage to the ear. A condition known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) where your hearing suddenly drops can happen to anyone at any moment in time and even if you had perfect hearing before. This condition is a medical emergency and affects the inner ear. Quick medical diagnosis and intervention is crucial to access treatment and help prevent permanent hearing loss.
Lipreading helps you communicate better.
Even if you don’t have a hearing loss yourself by understanding the basic principles of lipreading you can become a better speaker and improve your communication with friends and family who cannot hear as well as you.
Informal, sociable and fun.
Classes offer the chance to meet others regularly and share tips with each other.
September 9-14th 2019 is Lipreading Awareness Week and is the ideal opportunity to find out more information. Some teachers may even offer free taster classes to get you started.
See www.atlalipreading.org.uk or www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk for details or email local lipreading tutor, Judy Perry (judy.lipreading@gmail.com).
