Lipreading and Managing Your Hearing Loss

The classes are mixed ability. The teacher will aim to provide learning experiences at a range of levels. Learning from each other and helping each other is an important part of the learning experience.

This course is about:

• The range of skills used in lipreading.
• Developing the ability to watch a person’s face and body to aid communication.
• Developing knowledge of other communication strategies.
• Developing knowledge of equipment and agencies that support the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Sharing ideas and experiences with others about managing hearing loss.

You will have the chance to learn:

• Which speech shapes are helpful when lipreading.
• Which lip shapes can be easily confused because they look alike on the lips.
• Which lip shapes are less visible or very hard to see when lipreading.
• Which other factors make lipreading easier/more difficult eg rhythm, context, facial expression etc.
• To use strategies to support lipreading in class (including finger spelling).
• To identify, source and use equipment that helps people with a hearing loss in everyday life.
• To develop the confidence to explain your communication needs in and out of class in a range of situations.

How will the course be taught – what methods are used?

• We will work as a whole class, in small groups and in pairs.
• Learning methods include observing the tutor and other class members.
• The tutor encourages learners to contribute so that everyone learns from others’ confusions (‘mistakes’).
• There will be class discussions where everyone has the chance to contribute.
• ‘Eye breaks’, relaxing and ‘fun activities’ are included because lipreading can be tiring. These will normally be a trigger for a lipreading exercise.
• Exercises to support memory and concentration are also included.

For more information, please contact Gabrielle Renée at JDA on 020 8446 0214