RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

If you have a hearing loss, learning to lipread can help to improve your communication with other people, especially in noisy situations.

Read this leaflet to find out:

You can download a portable document format (PDF) version of this information (opens new browser window) or request a printed leaflet from the RNID Information Line.

Where you can learn to lipread

Go to the Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults (ATLA) website (external link, opens new browser window) to find
a local class. If there is no class in your area, ask your local adult education centre or college to provide one.

Lipreading classes are informal, fun and friendly and taught by a qualified teacher of lipreading to adults. You can share experiences with people who have different degrees of hearing loss.

Your teacher will demonstrate the different shapes that sounds make on the lips so that you can identify them. They will also explain how to fill in the gaps of speech that you can't hear, and how to use clues from the context of the conversation.

Our book "Watch this face - a practical guide to lipreading" uses lots of exercises to help you lipread a range of words and phrases. You can buy it from our online shop.

Tips to help you lipread

  • Tell the speaker that you lipread before you start the conversation.
  • Try and find the quietest place possible for your conversation.
  • Ask the speaker to stand or sit facing the light.
  • Try to sit or stand on the same level and between three and six feet from the speaker.
  • Find out the subject of the conversation as soon as possible.
  • Don't feel embarrassed about asking for things to be repeated or asking for something to be said in a different way.
  • Watch the speaker's whole face, not only the lips. Facial expressions and gestures will tell you a lot about what is being said.
  • Keep a pen and paper handy.
  • Stop the speaker as soon as you miss something. You may not be able to catch up again.
  • Give the speaker a copy of this leaflet.

Tips to help people lipread you

  • Find a suitable environment with good lighting, away from noise and distractions.
  • Sit or stand at the same level and three to six feet away from the lipreader.
  • Face the light, or your face will be in shadow.
  • Make sure the lipreader is looking at you before you speak.
  • Introduce the topic of conversation.
  • Speak clearly at a moderate pace, without raising your voice or over-emphasising your speech.
  • Use natural facial expressions, gestures and body language.
  • Keep your face visible. Do not put your hands near it or wear sunglasses, and do not turn away while you are talking.
  • Be prepared to repeat or rephrase something if the lipreader finds it difficult to follow you.
  • From time to time, check that the lipreader is following you.
  • Be patient and take time to communicate properly.