The Null Device

The fascinating case history of Elinor Nicol, Scotland Yard's expert lip reader. Nicol (not her real name) was deaf from age 4, and consequently developed the ability to precisely lip-read, and thus make out inaudible conversation. Her talent has helped put away IRA bombers, drug dealers and murderers, and also helped the community in other ways:

"I also work in hospitals, interpreting what is being said by people who cannot do anything except move their lips very slightly. I did one where a woman who was recovering from an operation simply wanted her family to shut up when they came to visit her, to stop asking stupid questions. I was able to pass that message on. She was very grateful, although I am not sure her family was quite so pleased."

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