Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop buying your favorite local produce and baked goods. The Sioux City Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm through October 25, 2025.
If you’re among the more than 10% of the U.S. population with hearing loss, you might worry about navigating a bustling farmers market and communicating effectively with the vendors. Let’s take a look at a few tips you can employ to have a stress-free shopping experience. Well, beyond the stress of hoping someone doesn’t snag the last pumpkin loaf before you get there.
1. Wear Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids play an essential role in effective communication. The tiny devices pick up and prioritize speech sounds to help you talk to vendors and fellow marketgoers. You can learn the story behind the farms, listen to recipe recommendations and buy produce without getting frustrated at unclear speech.
If you already have hearing aids, make sure they’re charged and ready to go before you head to the market. If you don’t, call us at Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants to schedule a consultation.
2. Make Eye Contact
Speech moves in the direction you’re facing, so it might be harder to understand vendors that are turned away from you. Similarly, you’ll have a harder time understanding speech when looking down at the products. Making eye contact with the vendor will encourage them to look at you while speaking. If they’re busy doing other things, let them know you have hearing loss and ask them politely to look at you while speaking.
3. Go Early
The market will likely be quieter earlier in the day. Try to arrive at eight or shortly after for easier conversation. If you can’t go early, consider shopping on Wednesdays instead of Saturdays, as those tend to be less busy.
By wearing your hearing aids, making eye contact with the vendors and going as early as possible, you can enjoy the last few weeks of farmers market season without extra stress. For more information on managing your hearing loss, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today.