Lipreading and managing hearing loss: advanced

What is the course about?

Increase your awareness, perception and interpretation of lip patterns, along with other visual and contextual clues to spoken English. Share information and experiences relevant to everybody with an acquired hearing loss.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook). The classes work best using a desktop device. You can access the class using a tablet or phone but the screen size will limit your ability to lipread and we do not recommend using them.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

This course will be taught in spoken English and not in British Sign Language.

The class is taught live each week on Zoom. Your tutor will also provide support material, such as handouts or links, using Google Classroom.
To access the live class you will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook).
- Please note a tablet or smart phone are not suitable for this class. The screen size is too small. It will limit your ability to lipread and participate fully in class.
We will contact you by email with joining instructions before your course starts. There will be an optional induction session before the first lesson if you need support with Zoom or Google Classroom.

What will we cover?

- theory and practice of lipreading - revision of core theory as appropriate to class members' needs and introduction of more complex theoretical points.
- awareness and development of your own communication skills particularly in relation to other hearing impaired people.
- further development of other relevant skills: memory, concentration, observation, awareness of rhythm, situation, context, facial expression and body language.
- information on new assistive equipment, services and hearing loss as requested by class members.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- identify and switch between sounds/words/phrases that look similar when lipreading.
- develop your own communication skills particularly in relation to other hearing impaired people.
- update and share information on assistive equipment, services and hearing loss as relevant to members of the group.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will have an acquired hearing loss and use spoken English to communicate with others.
Straightforward written sentences are used in exercises and during teaching to confirm spoken words.
You will have attended both a beginners' and improvers' lipreading course, or you will have agreed with the tutor before the course starts that the level of the class is appropriate for you.

This course will be taught in spoken English and not in sign language.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

A variety of teaching methods will be used in each session including structured exercises, drills, prose, role play, quizzes and practical work. Students will work in large groups, smaller groups and pairs. Information may be shared by means of handouts, demonstrations, discussion, presentations and Google Classroom.

We aim to make all our lipreading teaching accessible for students with an acquired hearing loss, whether it is an online course or face to face.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring pen, notepad and a small mirror to class.
You will need to visit the online Google Classroom before the lesson each week to collect any handouts. Before the lesson you will need to print them or have them open on your computer as preferred..

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You will be given information about other courses that may be relevant e.g. Mindfulness skills for hearing loss, Manage your tinnitus.