There are currently more than 1.5 billion people worldwide with hearing loss. Shopping with hearing loss can be quite the communication challenge, but there are a couple of accommodations you can make to improve your experience.
Let’s look at some common issues that arise when shopping with hearing loss and what you can do to prevent them.
Communicating With the Cashier Is Difficult
Communicating with the cashier at Wheatsville Co-op or interacting with the dressing room attendant at your favorite local boutique can be especially challenging with hearing loss. A couple of ways you can improve communication while shopping include:
- Inform the cashier of your hearing loss. Consider informing the cashier or salesperson of your hearing loss so that they can make accommodations, such as looking at you while they speak or repeating unheard phrases.
- Use self-checkout. Self-checkout is an excellent option for those who wish to avoid interacting with a cashier. The checkout devices will display audio information as text on the screen to help prevent misunderstandings.
- Wear hearing aids. Hearing aids work by amplifying speech sounds and reducing irrelevant background noise. These technologically advanced devices can help clarify communication with your cashier and minimize the stress of checkout.
Busy Stores Are Overwhelming
Busy stores can make understanding store workers, hearing over music and staying oriented more difficult. A couple of things you can do to improve your experience include:
- Shopping at small businesses. Small businesses are less likely than larger stores to be busy at peak shopping hours and may be a less stressful experience.
- Plan your trip. Plan your trip for less busy hours and days, and write a shopping list to help keep you organized. A well-organized trip will likely be shorter, less stressful and help prevent left-behind items.
- Pick stores without loud music. Loud music can be especially overwhelming for those with hearing loss. Choosing stores without loud music can help cut down on the stress of attempting to hear over it.
Contact River ENT today for more tips on managing your hearing loss.
