Lip-Speaking explained

It is difficult to say how many people lip-read. Everybody lip-reads to some extent, especially in noisy situations such as the pub, but getting the gist of a conversation and understanding every word, are entirely different things. As people develop a hearing loss, they usually rely increasingly on lip-reading, sometimes without even realising it. When this happens, their level of understanding will depend on the level and type of their hearing loss and how well they learn to lip-read.

A lip-speaker is a hearing person who has been professionally trained to be easy to lip-read. Lip-speakers reproduce clearly the shapes of the words and the natural rhythm and stress used by the speaker. They also use facial expression, gesture and, if requested, finger spelling, to aid the lip-reader’s understanding. This practise is known as lip-speaking.

Some lip-speakers have sign language skills and can offer lip-speaking with sign language support if requested by the lip-reader. A lip-speaker may be asked to use their voice, using clear communication techniques, thus enabling the lip-reader to benefit from any residual hearing. If necessary, lip-speakers can relay a deaf person’s voice.

Lip-speaker UK is the only specialist provider of lip-speakers in the UK.

We promote clear communication, equality and accessibility for all. We pride themselves on professional integrity and our reputation is something they work tirelessly to protect.

We are a reliable, unique, lip-speaker booking company, offering a premier service at an affordable price. Run by qualified and experienced lip-speakers, we cover national and international work. Covering work at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, MOD as well as courts, local government, universities and hospitals, we provide a professional, affordable service.