Hi, Senoufou. I think the customer service reps appreciate your politeness and respond in kind. Age has nothing to do with it.

For environmental noise such as at the supermarket, I always carry earplugs, the soft, waxy kind such as the Mack brand. They are essential on airplanes and subways, and often come in handy at concerts. For a concert, I leave a little open edge so the plug softens the sound but doesn't block it completely.