I used to work in a lot of retail where quick customer interaction was part of the gig. I noticed if I didn't add a quick "hey, I'm pretty much deaf, can you raise your voice?" in a very friendly, outgoing way, I noticed I had fewer instances where the customer didn't repeat themselves. If the customer didn't notice the hearing aid and continued to repeat themselves or notice that my attention was in line with the conversation, they'd get upset. Usually they're apologetic after realizing that it's not an intentional thing where I'm not listening because I think he/she is an idiot or whatever, but rather because I can't hear for a gazillion reasons. Sometimes, I'll tell the speaker by a simple point to the ear and a thumbs up and it works without stopping the flow of conversation. Another great benefit of the BTE.
