Communication is so important to everyone and encompasses all areas of our lives – in the workplace, social situations, or everyday interactions with others.

Those who have a hearing loss often feel left out when in conversations with family and friends because they are unable to follow accurately what they say.

This can lead to frustration and reluctance to join the group or to go out to events where they know it is going to be difficult to communicate well. This self-imposed isolation does not help them because it escalates, and their bad feelings get worse.

So, how can you overcome these feelings? First, it is important to try to be (and look) positive. Secondly, it is crucial to find a way of communicating better and this will depend on our own personal circumstances.

This is where lipreading can help. Whilst it is not a magic wand, lipreading can help a person with hearing loss to better understand what they see and hear, enabling them to take a more active part in conversations.

Lipreading is the ability to understand speech by observing the movements of a person's lips, facial expressions, and other visual cues.

Close up of a badge on a jacket lapel that says ‘Please be patient, I lipread’

It is not a precise skill because certain sounds and words look remarkably similar. However, lipreading can help a person with hearing loss to function, much more effectively, in the hearing world.

Lipreading as a way of using your skills, knowledge, and general awareness. If you have no hearing, it helps you to understand and follow what another person says – to enable you to take part in the conversation.

This is not always easy, because however good at lipreading you are, there are situations that are difficult to work in (lipreading is especially difficult in large, noisy groups and meetings and where you are listening to speakers with no hearing loop system in place).

Overall, lipreading can be a lifeline, enabling you to be more confident and to take an active part in large and small group situations.

Tips to help you lipread

Learning to lipread never ends. There are different formations to learn, different dialects, and every face is different, dealing in its own way with words. However, the more you learn, the more your confidence will grow, enhancing and strengthening your communication ability.

  • Remember to ask people to look at you and speak clearly.
  • Ask them not to cover their mouth and to speak a little slower and clearly but with normal rhythm and intonation.
  • If possible, ask them to face you and keep still.
  • If possible, find a quiet place to have your conversation – soft furnishings, carpets and curtains all help to absorb noise and make it easier to lipread.
  • Make sure the room is well lit, and the light is on the other persons face.
  • If possible be at the same height and not too far away from the speaker.
  • If you can tell people what is best for you – where you need to sit for different situations
  • If you cannot understand, ask them to rephrase, repeat or write it down. Always keep a pen and paper with you, or use a small, digital writing tablet.
  • Wear visible cues such as our lipreading badges or lipreading wristband to make people aware of your communication needs, or find a selection of products in our Lipreading Awareness Kit.

Do not be surprised if you feel tired. Lipreading requires deep concentration, and you will need to give yourself frequent breaks, especially at first. When you get the chance, close your eyes, and relax for a few minutes. Take time out!

Practice your lipreading skills

Try out lipreading exercises through resources, useful videos and information.

Visit Lipreading Practice