Learn to lipread and support people with hearing loss
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LIPREADING classes for beginners are available in Moray to help build up the confidence of those with hearing loss.
North East Sensory Services (NESS) will hold the free lipreading and managing hearing loss classes fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm.
The course is set to last for two years in full and will be held at the charity’s base at Elizabeth House, Victoria Crescent in Elgin.
Libby Hillhouse, training and information officer with NESS, said: “Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating as it creates new challenges with communication, which may ultimately affect a person’s feelings of independence.
“Our aim is to break down these barriers by giving people the tools they need to communicate and socialise more confidently.
“Spaces are available for our classes in Elgin, and we would encourage anyone who might be interested to get in touch.”
These classes will help those who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate more confidently with others and assure they are not isolated.
Debbie Miller, a lipreading tutor in Elgin, said: “Lipreading involves training the brain to see spoken language on the lips and to use any residual hearing alongside context, gestures, expression and body language to fill in any gaps to make sense of what is being said.”
Places on the course are restricted strictly to residents of Moray due to funding arrangements.
According to NESS, more than 11 million people in the UK have a form of hearing loss, a number that will increase by over 20 per cent in ten years time.
One previous participant said: “Having had the chance to attend a lipreading class has been a positive experience for me, I do feel I cope better with my hearing loss.
“I’m more aware of how to help myself and my confidence has improved.”
For information on how to sign up for the classes, visit: nesensoryservices.org
