Attitude changes following speechreading training

Twelve hearing impaired adults were enrolled in intensive speechreading training classes following formal audiologic evaluation. They were given a video taped test of speechreading skill before and after twelve weeks (18 hours) of training. They were also given a post-treatment experimental questionnaire which asked for their opinions in the general areas of class procedures, communicative ability, feelings about the group and other related topics. The responses on the questionnaire were examined with regard to each individual's opinion, the total group feelings and the results of the speechreading test. It was found that although the speechreading test scores showed no significant pre- and post-treatment differences, the responses on the experimental questionnaire were generally positive. It was felt that this questionnaire may well be a useful tool as part of the evaluation of one's total communicative ability. Moreover, it was felt that the group experiences provided significant insights into hearing impairment and hearing handicap. The participants took on a more assertive approach to their communication difficulty. They tended to accept their handicap, had a greater understanding of the limitations and were able to offer suggestions to others so that they could understand more in various person-to-person social-communication situations.