Lipreading and managing hearing loss: improvers module 1

What is the course about?

This course builds on theory taught in beginners classes. You will practice lipreading visible and less visible lip shapes, vowel lip shapes and improve your skills and tactics to support lipreading. This course will give you further practice in managing situations that can be difficult with hearing loss.

What will we cover?

- theory and practice of lipreading - study of visual clues to spoken English
- awareness of other relevant skills: memory, concentration, observation, awareness of rhythm, situation, context, facial expression and body language
- information on useful equipment, services and any new developments relevant to hearing loss
- practical advice on how to manage situations to make it easier to lipread and make the best use of any residual hearing.

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

- recognise which speech sounds/shapes are helpful when lipreading, which are less helpful and which may cause confusion
- identify strategies/tactics that help to minimise difficulties and be able to share these with others
- update and share information relevant to adults with an acquired hearing loss.

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 a beginners' lipreading class for at least a year, or you will have agreed with the tutor 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. You will work in large groups, smaller groups and pairs. Information may be shared by means of handouts, demonstrations, discussions or invited speakers.

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.

If your class is delivered on Zoom, 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. Otherwise, the tutor will provide printed handouts.

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

This course leads to Lipreading and managing hearing loss: improvers module 2.