The loss of hearing is a widespread problem. For those with hearing loss, lip reading techniques or speech reading is a necessity for understanding. It is the process of interpreting speech by observing the lip, tongue and facial movements of the speaker. People without hearing problems unconsciously utilize the reading of lips and and facial expressions when deciphering daily conversations with others. There are various avenues to learning lip reading skills.
The Necessity of Lipreading
Lipreading is a necessity for the hard of hearing or deaf. It is far more cumbersome to write when lipreading suffices. However, only 30% to 40% of spoken words are easily deciphered. This can result in misunderstanding. It is imperative for the lip reading skills to become more developed and defined to take away the frustration factor. Some children lip read quite naturally, while others need to be trained. Speech therapists can be helpful for kids in this regard.
Lipreading Instruction
Two of the keys to lip reading instruction are repetition and patience. This enables the intricacies and the cues of the mouth movements to be more thoroughly examined and understood. Try to limit unnecessary noise in the background; it can inhibit understanding for those who have cochlear implants or hearing aids. Each of the lip reading lessons can involve practice and/or testing. In the practice venue, the person chooses a phrase or a word to be used. They can then practice lip reading it as much as they would like. Lip readers can then be tested on aptitude. Testing involves the use of computers, with the lip reader responding to what has been said by clicking the appropriate button on the computer. Each answer is then saved on the computer. There are a wide variety of computer software programs from which to choose where lip reading can be taught in the comfort of the home.
Be Aware of the Needs of the Hard Of Hearing
It is important for people to be sensitive and accommodating when in the company of someone with mild to severe hearing loss or deafness. It is helpful to keep their needs in mind by utilizing facial expressions as much as possible when in the company of the hearing impaired. Also, don't speak too loudly or over exaggerate when you speak. Try to situate yourself where the lighting is good for better overall perception.
Tags: facial expressions, hearing loss, reading skills, when company