Hey, I’m interested in tips/recommendations for improving my shopping experience when going into stores that have loud music playing. I don’t want to be unaware of my surroundings by not being able to hear at all, but the obnoxious levels to which many stores blast their (objectionably atrocious) music (as well as other loud/constant noise that is happening) is almost unbearable to me and really makes me not be able to think straight when I’m in the store. I’ve got my own task list and agenda, and when I can’t think about things clearly it really slows down my whole process.
I’m wondering if any of those decibel reducer ear plugs would be a viable option? I feel like I’ve seen those recommended a few times.
I’ve experimented by wearing noise cancelling earbuds before, which kind of worked, but this presented some level of unawareness that I didn’t like and also seems kind of rude in a way? There’s got to be a better solution.
Thanks for reading.
I mean, if you’re doing your shopping alone and not interfering with anyone else, is it really rude to wear headphones? This is how I do my shopping (NB: I do not have audio stimulation issues)
It’s not like you owe other shoppers any attention beyond basic spatial awareness.
No, objectionably it’s not rude really. It’s just that it feels that way sometimes depending on the situation, for me anyway.
Appreciate the comment.
I do get how you feel about it. But you need and deserve to be comfortable too.
this has been so helpful for me. i am not a fan of grocery shopping with the lights and the crowds. but if i remember to charge my bluetooth earbuds then i can listen to an interesting podcast and just get in a zone. i take them out while checking out and interacting with the cashier of course, but the other shoppers get just enough of my attention to avoid a collision.
also h*ckin sunglasses. it’s amazing how much longer i can stay out when im not being bombarded with light sources coming at me from all angles.