CHRISTMAS is almost upon us and for some of us this is a time of great anxiety.

One in six of the population has some hearing loss, so you are sure to know someone who will be struggling this Christmas.

Hearing aids are brilliant mini computers but they don't cure hearing loss, and it is especially difficult in noisy Christmas gatherings, but you can help.

When speaking to someone with hearing loss, if possible find a quiet place to talk, make sure there is good light, face the person you are talking to, speak clearly, naturally, and not too fast.

Be prepared to repeat, or to put it another way and to write down important information (numbers and names can be particularly difficult).

Be patient - it might take a moment to make sense of what you have said. Please don't leave us out, it can become very lonely when hearing starts to fade, and it can happen to anyone of any age.

If you find you are struggling to hear, the best thing you can do to help yourself after getting a hearing aid, is to join a Lipreading class, where you will meet others with similar experiences, improve your lipreading, and have great fun!

My name is Susan Gibson and I hope to be running new Lipreading classes in Fife, most probably in Kirkcaldy, in the near future.

You can contact me at sglipreading@gmail.com or call or text 07950 577323, or to find out about classes taught by qualified tutors in other areas go to www.atlalipreading.org.uk. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

SUSAN GIBSON,

Lipreading Tutor.