What technique do hearing-impaired individuals often use to understand speech?

• A. Sign language only
• B. Verbal repetition
• C. Lip reading
• D. Written notes

Answer: (C)

Hearing-impaired individuals often employ lip reading as a key technique to understand speech. This method involves the individual observing the movements of the lips, facial expressions, and gestures of the speaker to infer the spoken words. Lip reading can greatly enhance their ability to communicate and comprehend conversations, especially in environments where auditory cues are minimal or absent.

While sign language is indeed used by many in the deaf community, it isn't the only method for understanding speech, making it less comprehensive as a standalone technique. Verbal repetition may be useful, but it relies on the individual's hearing ability, which could be limited. Written notes can facilitate communication, yet they don’t directly assist in understanding spoken language in real-time conversations. Lip reading allows for immediate comprehension and interaction, making it a vital skill for many hearing-impaired individuals.