Your hearing / Hearing loss / Lip reading classes

Lip reading classes

Fotolia_115318650_L.jpgLip reading plays an important role in building the confidence of people with a hearing loss who have been struggling to follow conversations during social
occasions or at work.

It can help people 'fill in the gaps' of speech they’re not hearing clearly by showing the lip shapes, gestures and facial movements, which can give vital visual clues about what is being said.

There are a series of local lip reading classes across the region run by Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service and Norfolk County Council.
Below we have compiled a list of local lip reading classes available across Norfolk and Suffolk. 

Please note that these classes may be subject to change, booking is also essential so we recommend that you call the appropriate organisation to confirm details.

 

Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service

You will learn to observe lip patterns, movements of the tongue, jaw and facial expressions. Gradually you will be able to put them all together enabling you to interpret what is being said.

Available to people of all ages you can learn at your own pace and be supported to achieve your goals. You and your teacher will set your own individual learning plan and regularly review your progress.

By the end of your course you and your teacher will be able to clearly see how much you have achieved. You will be able to understand your learning journey and celebrate your success.


Where the group meets

Town 

Address

Day & Time

Beccles

The Library,
Blyburgate,
Beccles, NR34 9TB

Thursday 10am-12pm

Bury St Edmunds

Deaf Centre,
28 Northgate Street,
Bury St Edmunds,
IP33 1HY

Monday 2pm-4pm

Hadleigh

The Ansell Centre,
Market Place,
Hadleigh, IP7 5DL

 
Tuesday 10:15am-12:15pm

Ipswich

Suffolk House,
2 Wharfedale Road,
Ipswich, IP1 4JP

 
Wednesday 10am - 12pm

Lowestoft

Lowestoft & District Deaf Society,
Blackheath Road,           
Lowestoft, NR33 7JG      

 
Friday 10am - 12pm

Woodbridge

The Library,
New Street,
Woodbridge, IP12 1DT

 
Wednesday 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Price: 

£7.50 per session or £6.00 for concessions (65+ or any disability or work related benefit claimants)

How to find out more

Contact the group's organiser, Maria Waller, on 01473 286060 or maria.waller@hhas.org.uk to find out more and check availability. 



Norfolk County Council

The course consists of 3 terms of 9 weeks and all sessions are classroom based. 

Throughout the course you will be taught by a variety of teaching methods including demonstrations, listening practice, practical working in groups/pairs, discussions and demonstrations of practical equipment that can help in a variety of situation

Dates and locations

Location  

Address 

Course start dates 

Aylsham                                          

Jubilee Family Centre,
Aylsham,
Norwich, NR11 6JQ

15th Jan 2020, or 24th April 2020.

Dereham

Breckland Business Centre,
St Withburga Lane,
Dereham, NR19 1FD                                              

14th Jan 2020 or 21st April 2020.

Norwich

Adelaide Street Health Centre,
19 Adelaide St,
Norwich, NR2 4JL

14th Jan 2020, 15th Jan 2020,  20th April 2020 or 22nd April 2020

 

New Victory Hall,
88 Street Hill,
Norwich, NR12 8XG

15th Jan 2020 or 22nd April 2020

 

Wensum Lodge,
169 King St,
Norwich, NR1 1QW

15th Jan 2020, or 22nd April 2020

 

Sprowston Diamond Centre,
School Lane,
Norwich NR7 8TR

17th Jan 2020, or 24th April 2020

Click here for information regarding specific days and times for each course and to book your place.


Freqently asked questions

  • What is lip reading?

    Lip reading is 'seeing the sound of speech' – the movements of the lips and the tongue, together with facial expression and body language are all clues for the lip reader. The lip reader will also observe the syllables, the natural flow, the rhythm and phrasing and the stress of speech.

  • Is lip reading important?

    Yes. Having a hearing loss makes speech sounds quieter, distorted or both. Lip reading is invaluable, it will help considerably in 'receiving' the message. Learning to lip read not only helps with communication but improves self confidence.

    For severely or totally deafened people lip reading may be the only possible means of everyday communication.

  • Is lip reading difficult?

    Yes. Some people do find lip reading difficult, but do not be discouraged; once you have developed your lip reading skills you will be more likely to take part in everyday communication with family, friends and colleagues, and also take part in conversations you might have previously avoided.

    Lip reading helps to overcome the isolation which can all too easily result from having a hearing loss.

  • Are there any limitations?
    Yes. Not all words are easy to lip read, and some people talk very fast, or mumble, or cover their mouths when they speak, so we learn other strategies to help us cope when this is the case.
  • Can I improve my lip reading skill?
    Learning to lip read takes time, patience and understanding, but the rewards are immense; and while you learn you are improving your confidence, lessening your feelings of isolation, and enhancing and strengthening your communication ability.