What will help you lipread more easily?

• Ideally keep your back to the light source so you can see people’s faces clearly.
• Try to sit with your back to a wall to reduce background noise behind you.
• Ask someone to swap seats with you if it will help you.
• Explain to people that you have hearing loss and you are lipreading.
• Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves.
• If you’re unsure of something, ask a closed question so the answer will be “yes” or “no”… “Did you say my appointment is at 9am?”
• If you are still unsure, ask them to write it down.

If you are with someone that has a hearing loss:

• Attract their attention before speaking.
• Speak clearly, natural rhythm of speech, don’t exaggerate or shout.
• Use everyday language
• Use natural body language
• Face them when you talk to them, don’t turn away.
• Keep hands and objects away from your mouth.
• Don’t change the subject midway through a sentence.
• Repeat, rephrase or write down.
• Don’t say it doesn’t matter if they are struggling to understand.
• Try not to get/appear frustrated’