Lipreading Awareness Week 2026
Discover the power of lipreading
From 7-11 September, Lipreading Awareness Week celebrates the value of lipreading and raises awareness of the difference it can make for people with hearing loss. Lipreading is a valuable skill that can help people better understand conversations by using visual cues such as lip movements, facial expressions and body language. Throughout the week, we're sharing information, advice and stories from lipreaders, exploring how it can build confidence, improve communication and help people stay connected.
Learn more about lipreading
Whether you're new to lipreading or looking to build your confidence, explore our guides and resources below.
Understand how lipreading works and why it can be such an important communication tool for people with hearing loss.
Find out how lipreading combines visual information such as lip movements, facial expressions and body language to support communication.
Practical advice to make conversations easier and support successful lipreading.
Discover simple techniques such as improving lighting, choosing quieter environments and helping others communicate more effectively with you.
Learn new skills, build confidence and connect with people who understand hearing loss.
Find out what happens in a lipreading class, where to find one near you and the wider benefits of learning alongside others.
Real experiences of lip reading
Philip Le Mare, Peer Support Volunteer
Lipreading means something different to everyone. Here are just a few reflections from people who have experienced its benefits firsthand.
"The mouth isn't the whole story. I call it face reading. You're taking in facial expressions, body language and everything that's happening around the person speaking. Lipreading has helped me continue having conversations and social interactions that might otherwise have become much more difficult."
Philip highlights how lipreading involves far more than watching someone's lips and can help people make sense of conversations when hearing alone isn't enough.
Julia Cruse, Peer Support Volunteer
"If I can't see you, I can't hear you. Lipreading has become an essential part of how I communicate. Taking lipreading classes helped me understand the techniques involved, build my confidence and learn practical strategies that I use every day."
For Julia, learning to lipread has helped her communicate more effectively and feel more confident in a range of social situations.
Alison Fricker, Lipreading Teacher and Peer Support Volunteer
"I found meeting others 'in the same boat' interesting, delightful and empowering. The classes not only helped me develop my lipreading skills but also gave me the confidence to take a more active role in my community. Eventually, I trained as a lipreading teacher so I could help others benefit in the same way."
Alison's experience shows how lipreading classes can offer both practical support and a sense of connection with others who understand the challenges of hearing loss.
Sylvia Irvine-Robertson, Peer Support Volunteer
"Discovering lipreading classes provided me with an essential communication tool. As my hearing changed, learning to lipread helped me adapt, feel more confident and continue engaging with the people and activities that matter to me."
Sylvia describes lipreading as an important part of maintaining independence and staying connected as her hearing loss progressed.
Lipreading is just one of many ways to manage hearing loss and stay connected. Explore our wider support services, communication tips and resources to help you live well with hearing loss.
Hearing Link Services
Information, support and community for people with hearing loss, including our helpdesk, peer support, groups and practical resources.
Useful organisations
Discover organisations, charities and support services that can help you find information, advice and specialist support for hearing loss.