CAN you “Read My Lips?”
Some people may think that lipreading is a strange and unnecessary skill to learn.
Most people use some lipreading without thinking about it as we go about our day-to-day lives. But, for many people who have hearing loss, whether it is through illness, accident or age-related, it becomes more difficult to have a comfortable conversation. Being able to lipread can make a big difference.
Lipreading is the ability to recognise the lipshapes, gestures and facial movements of people when they are speaking so that we can get a better understanding of what is being said.
Other clues can help such as using what hearing we have and looking at expression and body language. As well as practising to lipread, the classes can help to improve self-confidence by reducing the feelings of being alone.
In classes people are able to share ways of managing in difficult situations, for example; choosing the best place to sit in a noisy restaurant. It’s also a great opportunity to share ideas that will encourage others to be more mindful of the difficulties that people with hearing loss face.
But, most importantly, the classes are relaxed and fun.
Two Lipreading Groups run in Loughborough on Thursdays, a daytime class and an evening class and the new autumn term is just beginning. One group member commented that “it brings you together with people who understand how tough it can be to be hard of hearing”.
While another said: “Not only have I learnt a lot but it has also given me more confidence.”
The groups are organised by The Leslie Edwards Trust which is a local charity.
To find out more about either of the Lipreading classes, please contact Jane Futcher by phone or text on 07989 146682, or email: firstname.lastname@example.org