Speechreading
The skill of using visual cues—primarily lip and facial movements—to supplement or replace auditory information during communication.
Full Definition
Speechreading, sometimes called lipreading, involves integrating visual information from the speaker's lips, tongue, jaw, facial expressions, and gestures to understand spoken language. In an aural rehabilitation context, speechreading training is a structured component that helps hearing-aid and cochlear-implant users maximise comprehension in difficult listening conditions. The preferred clinical and academic term is 'speechreading' (one word), as it acknowledges that the skill extends beyond the lips to whole-face cues. Editors should not use 'lip-reading' or 'lip reading' in formal clinical manuscripts without author instruction.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one unhyphenated word: 'speechreading'. Reserve 'lipreading' only when quoting patient self-reports or historical sources. Do not use 'lip-reading' in clinical copy.
In Context
- "Group speechreading sessions were held twice weekly as part of the post-implant rehabilitation protocol." — Rehabilitation programme description
- "The preferred term in this journal is 'speechreading' (one word), not 'lip reading' or 'lip-reading'." — Journal style guide