RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Use our tips to help you communicate successfully.

  • Be open. Tell the person you're speaking to that you lipread before you start a conversation.
  • Ask people to get your attention before they start talking to you.
  • Don't stand too far away from the person who's speaking to you.
  • Make sure you can see the speaker's face and lips. Their gestures and facial expressions will help you to understand what they're saying.
  • Try to keep calm and don't panic. If you become anxious or flustered, it might be harder for you to follow what's being said.
  • If your hearing isn't the same in both ears, try turning your better side towards the person speaking to you.
  • If you don't catch what someone says the first time, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat it or say it in a different way.
  • If necessary, ask people to slow down and speak more clearly.
  • Don't be too hard on yourself. No one hears correctly all the time.

Lipreading

If you don't already lipread then have you thought about learning? Everyone lipreads to some extent, especially in noisy places. Read our Watch this face leaflet to find out more about how it can help you.