This leaflet is for you if you have a hearing loss and would like to find out more about how lipreading can help you to communicate.

Read this leaflet to find out:

What is lipreading?

Lipreading is a valuable communication skill, which involves watching the lip shapes, gestures and facial movements of the person you are talking to so that you get a fuller understanding of what they are saying.

We all lipread to some extent, especially in noisy situations. When you speak to someone, their facial expressions give you information to help you understand what they are saying.

However, to become a good lipreader requires a lot of skill and concentration as many words look similar on the lips. For example, it's easy to mistake 'biscuits' for 'big kiss'. A good lipreading teacher will show you how to tell the difference.

It's useful to learn to lipread as soon as you realise your hearing is going because, as your hearing worsens, you will rely more on lipreading.

Can lipreading help me?

Most audiologists recommend that people of all ages, with any degree of hearing loss, learn how to lipread. It is best to learn to lipread with other people, perhaps in a group or at a class.

Although you cannot learn to lipread everything, classes will give you the tools and awareness to develop your skills. They will also improve your confidence and are also a great way to do something positive and practical about your hearing loss.

Where can I 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 or contact our Information Line. If there is no class in your area, ask your local adult education centre or college to provide one.

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.

What are lipreading classes like?

Lipreading classes are very informal and friendly and taught by a qualified teacher of lipreading to adults.

It's not like going back to school, you can go at your own pace and the teacher will encourage you to have a laugh and relax.

Attending a lipreading course is a very good way to meet people in a similar position to you. You can also share experiences with people who have different degrees of hearing loss. You will also pick up lots of tips and practical information to help you cope with your hearing loss.

Can I learn to lipread at home?

Yes, but it's best to learn to lipread with other people. Every time you speak to someone, you are practising your lipreading skills.

There are lots of books, DVDs and videos about lipreading to support your learning, and RNID publish a book called "Watch this face - a practical guide to lipreading." It includes exercises to help you lipread a range of words and phrases. You can buy it from our online shop.

For further information, visit our online shop or contact RNID Information Line. Or, to find out about other lipreading materials, contact Forest Books (opens new browser window).

Tips to help with your lipreading

Prepare by:

During the conversation:

Remember to keep a pen and paper handy and give this leaflet to people you speak to regularly. It will help them to understand how to communicate more effectively with you.

Tips to follow when talking to a person who lipreads

Take note of the tips for lipreaders above and make sure the lipreader is looking at you before you speak. Also, keep your face and lips visible while you are talking, so don't:

And remember, speaking too quickly or exaggerating your gestures and facial expressions makes it harder for people to lipread what you're saying. So, don't shout or over-emphasise your speech.

Where can I get further information?

You might find some of our other factsheets or leaflets useful:

We also have a range of factsheets and leaflets about tinnitus.