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Lip reading

What is lip reading? A clear definition from the hearing section of our glossary, with 12 related terms and further reading.

Definition of Lip reading

Lip reading, also known as speechreading, is a technique of understanding a limited range of speech by visually interpreting the movements of the lips, face and tongue without sound. Estimates of the range of lip reading vary, with some figures as low as 30% because lip reading relies on context, language knowledge, and any residual hearing. Although lip reading is used most extensively by deaf and hard-of-hearing people, most people with normal hearing process can infer some speech information by observing a speaker's mouth.

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What is Lip reading?

Lip reading, also known as speechreading, is a technique of understanding a limited range of speech by visually interpreting the movements of the lips, face and tongue without sound.

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