The holidays are one of the busiest and noisiest times of the year for stores. Packed stores, jolly music and chatting shoppers can turn a pleasant grocery run into an overwhelming experience—especially for the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss.
Let’s take a look at how hearing aids can help you navigate the chaotic pre-Thanksgiving grocery stores with confidence and ease.
Improved Communication
Every once in a while, you may need to track down a store employee to check a sale price or find an item. When this happens, hearing loss can quickly get in the way of clear communication, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.
Hearing aids collect and amplify speech sounds to minimize misunderstandings and ease communication. Many modern devices even come with directional microphones, which work to amplify only the speech of the person you’re facing. This feature can be particularly handy during the holidays when stores are filled with customers having multiple conversations.
Filtering Background Noise
Many hearing aids are equipped with background noise suppression technology designed to minimize the rolling carts, music, chatter and chip bag crinkling that dominate the Thanksgiving shopping experience—allowing you to focus on the sounds you want to hear.
Not only will background noise suppression help you filter out unnecessarily distracting sounds, but it can also help create a much more relaxed shopping experience. Rather than focusing on the constant presence of noise, you can go through your shopping list, pick out your favorite items and pay without generating too much stress.
Background Awareness
Holiday shopping comes with a lot of distractions, and hearing aids can help you stay aware of sounds around you. While background noise suppression helps minimize unwanted and distracting sounds, your hearing aids can simultaneously keep you aware of other shoppers, store announcements or passing shoppers in crowded aisles.
Increased Confidence
Untreated hearing loss can wreak havoc on your social confidence, making something as simple as heading to Albertsons Market Street for sweet potatoes feel daunting. By taking advantage of the clear communication and background awareness hearing aids offer, you can start your holiday shopping off right, knowing you’re prepared to make the most of this festive time of year.
Don’t let another Thanksgiving pass by without seeking hearing treatment. Contact Southwest Idaho ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.