Listening with eyes

One thing common in sign language and lip-reading is that people using these systems to communicate are "listening with their eyes"; one looking at manual signs and the other looking at the face, particularly the lips to see the message.

The terms seem to be self-explanatory, yet every year, at the beginning of the lip-reading evening course run by the adult learning section of the Education Division, a number of students are manifestly disappointed to find themselves in the wrong course as they had sign language in mind when applying. Maybe what follows will help people understand the difference better.

Sign language is mainly used by people who have been born deaf. It is most helpful for those who come in contact with these persons as communicating with them will be easier.

For people who once had normal hearing, deterioration in hearing will affect the balance of what they hear and what they see on the face. A shift towards seeing has to be made. The more the need, the more one must learn a new technique of watching - that is lip-reading.

Hearing Concern, the British association for people with hearing loss, estimates that "there are nine million people with a hearing loss in the UK many of whom are either not aware of their loss or try to conceal it". By the same proportion there may be tens of thousands with acquired deafness in Malta - ranging from moderately hard of hearing to profoundly deafened. The majority are older people who usually notice a gradual age-related reduction in hearing and the increasing inability to hear high-pitched sounds. One may not notice this for some time as both age-related hearing loss and one due to excessive noise exposure can be gradual.

A hearing problem may cut one right off from other people. In everyday life many people with hearing problems have to struggle continuously day in and day out. For many, lip-reading could be their main line of communication now and in the future.

Many deaf people have some ability to lip-read. Some practise this skill without realising it. They feel they can hear a speaker better when he is facing them or when they put on their glasses. In fact, they are understanding more accurately because what they partially hear is assisted by what they also see in the speaker's expressions and lip movements.

What goes on in the lip-reading class? All the time a group of adults are learning together from guided observation in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere which encourages mutual help. The teacher makes sure that everything is understood by everyone, to help the students regain self confidence, self esteem and independence. It is hard work but most enjoyable. People learn to laugh at their mistakes. This helps them to relax and concentrate better. Exercises aim at keeping people attentive and interested. One learns how to see people talking, watch expressions on their faces and movements made by the lips, teeth, tongue and jaws as they talk.

With hearing problems, good communication can make all the difference, whether it is sign language with people who are born deaf or lip-reading in the case of acquired hearing loss.