Sometimes they are there (especially my nono) and I can see their mouths moving.  I can't for the life of me hear them.

Umm... can you expand on that... who are "they" and what or who is your "nono"? Sorry if I missed anything...?! And when is that happening... ? What are you doing when you experience this?

We often have contact with our passed loved ones.  If you actually want to hear what they are saying you must be attuned.  That is what the talent of mediumship is about - understanding our 5 senses on the psychic level.  Listen with your whole being not just your ears.

Spiritalk's message just reminded me of that one Harry Potter movie, "the Goblet of fire" In the movie Harry gets a very beautiful mechanical egg that contains a secret clue on how to win the next contest. When he opens it there is nothing but incomprehensible loud squealing that is impossible to listen to. A friend tells him to take it to the bathroom when he goes to take a bath. A spirit tells him to put it under water. Only when he submerges the egg and himself in the water and opens the egg there, can he hear the beautiful voices of mermaids singing/chanting the clue he needs to win the goblet of fire. He had to go into their realm to get the message they had for him - the water in this case. Just the same you have to learn about and train yourself to access the spiritual realm, then open yourself to it,and not without caution. Be careful what you let in and shield yourself from negative energies before you do it (learn about it in mediumship development). I mainly asked the questions above because I am always curious about the reason why they are trying to contact you, since they obviously are and because the post seemed to come right out of the blue ;)...

'nono' is italian for grandfather, i apologize.  i forget that people might not know that!  and, when i say 'them', i am referring to a person or persons i mostly don't recognize.  very occasionally, i do recognize them.  usually, i see him/them in the reflection of glass, a window, a mirror.  or, at times, though less often, simply in the corner of a room.  as for your question as to what i am doing at the time, there is no specific thing.  i'll be thinking about whatever thing and all of sudden find myself looking at him/them.  once i have consciously realized that i have been looking at someone, for a period of time, it seems easier to focus.  and then, frustration makes me look away or shake my head and it is harder to refocus.
i'm looking at him/them and their mouths are moving, as if speaking. sometimes, they seem to be speaking so rapidly without stopping.  but i can only 'lip read' a few words before my eyes are straining trying to see.  and i try to hear but all i get is muffled and distant, beyond hearing.
you're right, Petra.  my post was kind of blurted out and insufficient because, when i wrote it, i was feeling worn out at the end of a night and, then, frustrated as well.   it's also something i have only ever discussed literally one or two times before - ever.  i love communicating above all else - be it in writing, speaking, visually, you name it.  it comes easily.   on this one subject, it isn't easy to get the words out and my habit, until now, has been to refrain and question myself instead.  i really haven't met anyone knowledgeable on the subject (that i am aware of) to speak to, yet.  i suppose it will become easier by and by...