What is BSL Sign Language?

British Sign Language, also known by the abbreviation BSL, is the language used by over 50,000 deaf people within the UK.

What is a hearing aid?

While hearing aids come in various shapes and sizes they all basically perform the same function-that of providing the hearing-impaired with experiences of sound which would otherwise go unheard. All hearing aids whether pocket, post-auricular or 'in the ear' comprise [a] system of units. THe only difference between these 'conventional' systems and other alternatives have extra components 'added on', some of these being worn or used by others. THis is why such systems are known by the term 'hearing aids not entirely worn on the listener'. They too are equally vulnerable to 'component faults' the majority of which are common to the conventional systems.

Guidelines for good Communication.

* Attract the lipreader's attention
* Face the person while you are speaking to them.
* Do not cover your mouth while you are speaking.
* Minimise background noise.
* Make sure there is enough light on your face.
* Speak clearly witht the natural rhythms of speech.
* raise your voice if the lipreader asks but don't shout.
* Use "everyday" language in whole sentences.
* Use natural body language.
* Give clues about the context of your conversation.

When people cannot follow what you have said:-

* Repeat what you said.
* Try to say it another way - it may have been impossible to lip-read the way it was phrased the first time
* Write down the message.

Please never never say "It doesn't matter, it wasn't important." or "Nothing" that dismisses the important of the lipread as well.

Remember lip-reading is very tiring.