With the holiday season officially upon us, there is lots of shopping that has to get done. Holiday shopping is notoriously crowded, loud, and overwhelming. Holiday shopping can prove even more challenging for those with hearing loss. However, any ear specialist in Omaha, NE will tell you that just because someone suffers from hearing loss, it doesn’t mean they have to miss out on some of the biggest sales of the year. Check out some of these tips from our audiologists to help make your shopping experience a bit more jolly: 

1. Shop small 

You can support your community and make shopping less stressful by shopping at some of your locally-owned shops. Big box stores will undoubtedly be crowded and very noisy. All the people and navigating around them can cause frustration. Smaller shops will have fewer people and noise levels that are easier to handle. If you absolutely cannot avoid going to a big box store, see what their slow days and hours are, and try to go during those time frames. 

2. Be well prepared

One of the best stress-free shopping strategies to employ is preparedness! You can prepare for your shopping trip by:

• Shopping somewhere where you are familiar with the layout, so you don’t have to rely on someone to show you around to get the items you need. 

• Writing down all of the items you need on a shopping list, so in the hustle and bustle, you don’t forget what you came for. 

• Calling the store ahead of time and asking them if they have a loop system for hearing devices. Unfortunately, these are currently rare in stores in Nebraska but are more common in other states.  

• Take a family member or friend with you to hear any over-the-speaker announcements that you may miss. 

3. Advocate for yourself

Any ear specialist in Omaha, NE will encourage you while shopping to be an advocate for yourself. Let any staff members know that you have hearing loss when needed so they can best help you. Insist on face-to-face discussions if you can. Avoid asking open-ended questions because they will be harder to predict the answer to. Instead of “What sizes does this shirt come in?” ask, “Does this shirt come in a large?” so you have a limited number of expected responses.

4. Bring a credit card

Trying to pay in cash or write a check can be difficult when you don’t hear the total. Paying with a credit card allows you to see the total on the card reader before you pay. Another helpful tool to keep in mind is to use the self-checkout. Then you know there will be no pricing surprises. 

5. Shop online

A lot of stores will now advertise their amazing in-store deals as available online too! You can get all the competitive prices from the comfort of your own couch. No dealing with overcrowded parking lots or pushing your way through noisy crowds, and best of all, your packages get delivered right to your own front door. Plus, this way you don’t have to worry about the winter weather affecting your ears. 

Visit us!

Looking for an ear specialist in Omaha, NE? We have two of the best! If you need help adjusting your hearing aids for the crowds this year, or access to more shopping tips, just contact us! Remember it is our mission to help you Hear Now, Stay Active, and Live Better!