Living with hearing loss

11:18am Monday 28th January 2008

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A WOMAN who struggled with her loss of hearing is now inspiring others to communicate through lip reading.

Linda Horner teaches lip reading classes in Ilminster and across Somerset to encourage people who are deaf or hard of hearing to find a new way to communicate.

Linda realised the importance of lip reading after she became deaf six years ago.

She said: "After living with a gradual hearing loss for about 12 years nothing prepared me for becoming profoundly deaf at the age of 40.

"I felt very vulnerable with a huge loss of independence.

"I had been a very socially active person, enjoying meeting friends, eating out, music - I found I could no longer enjoy these activities because I couldn't hear and I began to feel very isolated and disorientated."

Linda attended lip reading classes before she went deaf and now has a cochlear implant and a hearing dog called Zola to help her carry out everyday tasks but says lip reading taught her invaluable skills she is happy to pass on.

She added: "My sister-in-Law Denise saw an advert for the lip readers training course in London and passed it on to me.

"I feel I am giving something back. Sharing my experiences will inspire others to embrace their deafness or hearing loss and find a way forward and new communication strategies coping with their hearing loss."

The groups give people the opportunity to meet others living in the area experiencing similar problems in a supportive environment.

The Communication Skills Groups are run by Deaf Plus who also run a mobile advisory service.

Deaf Plus gives free advice on all matters relating to hearing loss including demonstrations of equipment, employment advice and simple maintenance of NHS hearing aids.

Linda's groups meet at the Ditton Street Adult Learning and Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 10am-12noon.

There are ten groups throughout Somerset including Mine-head Frome Nether Stowey, Yeovil, Wells, Wellington.

For more information contact the Deaf Plus South Office on 01935-415880, fax 01935 415880, email south.west@deafplus.org or you can click on the link below.

* Pictured is Linda with hearing dog Zola and students at class in Ilminster.