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Lipreading: The skill we all use – even if we don’t know it

Have you ever been watching a heated football match, and when a controversial decision is made, you know exactly what the player is shouting—even though you can’t hear a thing? That, right there, is lipreading in action.

Lipreading a Referee's decision
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It might surprise you to know that lipreading (also called speechreading) is a skill we all use, whether we realise it or not. It’s a natural part of how humans communicate, especially in noisy environments like pubs, busy streets, or parties. Our brains cleverly combine what we hear with what we see—the shape of the mouth, the movement of the lips, and facial expressions—to work out what’s being said.

We’ve Taught Ourselves

Most of us haven’t had formal training in lipreading. We just pick it up as we grow and communicate with others. From an early age, we start recognising the visual clues that go with speech. It becomes instinctive—until we try it without sound and realise how tricky it can actually be!

Lipreading facial gestures
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But Not All Words Can Be Read on the Lips

Here’s the catch: lipreading isn’t perfect. Some words look identical on the lips, even though they sound completely different. That’s because certain sounds are made inside the mouth or throat and don’t change the visible shape of the lips much.

Communication
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Take for example:

  • Pat, bat, and mat – These all look nearly the same when spoken.

  • Cough, golf, and gone – Not much happening visually here either.

  • Can and man – Try mouthing them silently in the mirror—they’re hard to tell apart!

This is actually what ventriloquists rely on. They avoid using words with noticeable lip movements and instead focus on sounds that can be disguised. That’s how they “throw” their voice and make it seem like the dummy is doing all the talking.

Lipreading Is a Lifeline for Many

For people with hearing loss, lipreading becomes a vital communication tool. When sound is muffled, distorted, or absent, being able to read the lips, expressions, and gestures of the speaker can make a huge difference. It’s empowering. It brings confidence. And in many cases, it makes communication possible again.

lipreading
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Can You Improve Your Lipreading?

Absolutely. While we all use some level of lipreading already, taking it further is totally possible—and beneficial. Lipreading classes are available in many countries, often through adult education centres, community colleges, or charities supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

These classes don’t just teach you to recognise mouth shapes. They often include:

  • Strategies for filling in the blanks

  • Tips for dealing with common problem sounds

  • Practice with everyday conversations

  • Support from others who are also learning

Plus, they’re a great way to meet people and feel less isolated if hearing loss is new to you.

Learn to lipread
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Other Tips to Boost Your Lipreading

Here are a few more ways to enhance your lipreading skills:

  • Face the speaker: Make sure you can see their face clearly—good lighting helps.

  • Ask people to speak clearly, not loudly: Shouting can distort lip movements.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for repeats or rephrasing: You’re not alone.

  • Use context clues: Understanding the topic helps predict words.

  • Stay relaxed: Tension makes concentration harder.

A Skill Worth Celebrating

Lipreading is an amazing example of how adaptable humans are. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’re probably using it every day—and with a bit of focused learning, it can become an even more powerful ally in communication.

If you’re interested in learning more, why not look for a local lipreading class or an online group to join? Your eyes might just become your new ears.

Here is a good place to start: Association of Lipreading Tutors

We have lots more go-to links in our Resource Library

Categories
Communication Hearing Ambassadors Hearing Well-Being Hearing Well-Being Sign Language

The hearing loss virus that changed our lives

One ordinary day, a virus changed everything.

About twelve years ago, my husband lost most of his hearing due to a viral infection. Just like that, he went from fully hearing to severely deaf—and our lives were turned upside down.  At first, we didn’t fully grasp the impact it would have. But little by little, the effects of hearing loss crept into every corner of our lives. He struggled to understand speech. Conversations became exhausting. Group gatherings were overwhelming. Telephone calls were impossible. Even simple tasks like chatting to someone at the supermarket checkout became a source of stress.

Hearing Loss causes people to become isolated
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We both found it hard. He was frustrated that I didn’t seem to speak clearly. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t responding. The miscommunications built up. Over time, my husband began to withdraw. He’d sit quietly with a book rather than try to join in a conversation. I think he found it more comforting to be alone than to face the embarrassment of asking people to repeat themselves again and again.

Evenings out with friends stopped altogether. The wall of background noise in restaurants made conversation unbearable. He no longer felt like himself. And I no longer felt like I could reach him.

We knew something had to change—but what?

The First Turning Point: Finding Support

Just when things were starting to feel hopeless, we discovered our first glimmer of hope: a LinkUp Support Group run by Hearing Link Services.

It was life-changing.

For the first time, we met others who understood exactly what we were going through. We realised that hearing loss doesn’t just affect one person—it affects everyone close to them. And more importantly, it’s not just about the ears. It’s about communication, relationships, confidence, and connection.

You are not alone
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

We began to make small changes at home. I’d turn off the radio when we were talking. I’d face him when I spoke. I’d double-check he’d caught anything important. These things are second nature to us now—and yes, we’ve laughed at some of the hilarious things he thought I’d said!

If you’re struggling like we were, please know: you’re not alone, and there is help out there.

The Second Turning Point: Learning to Sign

A few years later came our second big breakthrough. We discovered that our local Adult Education Centre was running a Lipreading and Signed Communication course.

We didn’t know much about lipreading, and to be honest, we weren’t sure sign language would be relevant. Wasn’t it just for people born deaf? But we were curious, and we decided to give it a go.

We’re so glad we did.

The class was aimed at people like us—those who had lost their hearing after childhood. The method used was a combination of Lip Reading and Sign Supported English (SSE), which uses British Sign Language (BSL) signs alongside spoken English word order. It felt strange at first, like stepping into a whole new world. But slowly, it began to click.

And with it, something else clicked too: communication came back.

Communication with hearing loss
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Rebuilding Confidence and Connection

Bit by bit, my husband’s confidence returned. His mood lifted. And most importantly, he felt included again.

When we go out in a group now, I can sign key parts of the conversation to him, making social situations far less isolating. Even better, our friends have become curious. They ask questions. They try out signs. They engage with him in ways they never did before.

It’s been transformational – for both of us.

Sign language hasn’t just helped us communicate. It’s helped us reconnect. It’s opened a door to inclusion, not just in our relationship, but in the wider world around us.

Connection after hearing loss
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Give Sign Language a Go!

If you or someone you love is navigating hearing loss, why not give sign language a try?

It’s not just about words—it’s about connection, confidence, and a better quality of life.

That’s what our charity, Hearing Ambassadors is all about too.

Click here to see other posts about  Sign Languages , how to get started, and the many ways it can make a difference.