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Harrogate audiology clinic to launch lip-reading classes

The Hearing Suite in Harrogate is set to launch lip-reading classes to support people living with hearing loss.

Harrogate audiology clinic to launch lip-reading classes A Harrogate audiology clinic is set to launch lip-reading classes to support people living with hearing loss. The Hearing Suite is starting the classes from tomorrow (Tuesday 14th November) at its clinic at Highfield House on East Parade. Classes will run from 1pm and cover how to recognise visible speech sounds, understanding the process of lip-reading and the factors that make lip-reading easier. The classes will run for six weeks and will be lead by Advanced Audiologist Helena Milnes. Helena said:

“Overcoming hearing issues is a challenge for many people of all ages, and whilst hearing aids can benefit people, there are other things you can do to compliment them. "Most people associate hearing challenges with the elderly, the grandparent constantly asking you to speak up, or with the television on so loud the neighbours can hear it. "But hearing challenges affect all generations and can contribute to the feeling of loneliness if not resolved."
She added:
"55% of face-to-face communication comes from body language and facial expressions, aspects of this helps us to understand context in conversation. "Think back to the pandemic, and how much harder it was talking to people wearing masks. "We lip read unintentionally but knowing how to do it properly can massively benefit people who have a hearing loss and people who are deaf."
[caption id="attachment_86356" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Advanced Audiologist, and lip-reading Teacher; Helena Milnes.[/caption] Since their launch five years ago, The Hearing Suite has opened three branches in Harrogate, Ilkley and Wykeham. Managing Director Emily Balmer said:
"We want to provide the best possible care for our clients, and this doesn’t just involve the latest technology in hearing aids. "We look at the whole picture and how hearing loss can impact a person’s life, so these classes will provide not just an opportunity to learn new skills, but an opportunity for people to socialise and meet others facing similar challenges. "We are really looking forward to starting this course as there are no others in the area for people to benefit from.”
If you would like to sign up for the classes, you can do so online here or by contacting The Hearing Suite on 01423 429222. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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