Speech reading and its role in auditory processing

"Speech reading" is the term applied to the use of visual information in auditory processing. The term has been changed from the more familiar "lip reading" on the basis that the information gained is not only from the lips but also from facial muscles, tongue, jaw, and so on. In recent years, the importance of visual (speech read) information in the interpretation of spoken stimuli has become apparent and increasing attention has been paid to its role in the auditory processing of subjects with unimpaired hearing. Dodd & Campbell (1987) argued that speech reading "far from being epiphenomenal to speech processing, [or] to cognitive processes, . . . may provide essential clues about how these skills are organized" (p. ix). We would argue that an investigation of the effects of speech reading should be an essential part of any analysis of auditory processing deficits, and this paper will demonstrate the insights that can be gained from this approach to assessment.3 page(s