It is National Lipreading Awareness Week 2014 from Monday 8th September to Friday 12th September with free “taster sessions” at Andover Library.
Deafness in varying degrees affects one in six people. Most have a hearing loss caused by our natural ageing process, which can be improved by the use of hearing aids.
A further useful skill is lipreading and that can be developed by anyone willing to make a little effort.
Thanks to National Lipreading Awareness Week you can attend a free “taster session” of lipreading at Andover Library between 10:00am – 11am on Monday 8th September or on Friday 12th September. There is no need to book, just turn up or contact Barrie Wickens as shown at the end of the article.
Deafness is debilitating because the concentration required to understand other people is tiring. It can also be frustrating and ultimately become socially isolating. Deaf people really do need to see to hear.
For instance, if you say the words “pat“, “bat” or “mat“, most people would hear the difference and so understand which word was used.
A deaf or hard of hearing person might not see the difference because the consonants p, b and m look alike. To see this, check in a mirror and repeat them.
“You could come to a lipreading class and learn how we differentiate between various lip shapes” said Barrie.
“We consider facial expression, body language, lip shapes and context and by practising with others in a relaxed group you can develop the skills to help you to better understand why some words appear similar, and how to manage that fact.”
“In Andover, we run three lipreading classes that vary in intensity. There are no exams – no tests – in small relaxed and friendly classes that are free on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings.”
“Our qualified Teacher of Lipreading to Adults will guide you to self-help in an informed way, and to enjoy mutual support with empathy.”
To find out more, contact Barrie Wickens by email at bwickens@lipreading.org.uk or at lipreadbarrie@gmail.com or text him on 07984 721990.