I probably ABU but I don't care!

[momobiker]

I am partially deaf in my left ear, and try my hardest not to shout - especially in work.

My colleagues know this, and I have just been on the phone to an overseas client. I know I was louder than normal because the client in question speaks over me, can barely speak english and I certainly don't speak Spanish to the level were we can converse. I am about to lose this client and am doing my utmost to make them happy.

Whilst on the phone, my colleagues to either side of me started going on really loudly about me being a foghorn and they wish there was a volume control etc etc. I got really upset and held back tears while on the phone. As soon as the call was finished I got up and went for a break.

I am so cross and upset about their reaction/attitude towards a 'disability'. I am just trying to do my job!

I work with a lady who's partially deaf in one ear and completely in the other. She had a specially modified phone and lipreads when face to face with people. Not only does she shout but everyone shouts back to her regardless of the fact we know she can lipread. I swear cracks have appeared in the walls over the years.
If one person dared to do what your colleague did I imagine the rest of us would bowl them out of the window. It's bang out of order.

I think your manager should be giving them all a very stern telling off for being so unprofessional.

if losing that clients reflects on bonus/pay/commission at all, they should all share in taking the loss, as they have contributed towards it.

sorry, can't understand people saying 'it's annoying, so I understand them'.

This is a medical disability. If you were in a wheelchair & they were making rude comments about it getting in the way, which a client could hear as well, they should be in huge trouble. It's discrimination.

Tell your manager, and tell her to get her act together and manage the situation - it's what she's paid for.

Hi,
Sorry you are having a rough day.

I dont understand why you need to shout/speak loudley.
I understand that your voice could creep up without you noticing, but when you realise/are told, why cant you lower the volume?

If you get used to speaking at a 'normal' volume then surley it would become easier in time.

I'm not saying that its ok for people to be rude to you, but consideration is a two way street.

I don't shout on purpose.

If I had realised, I would have lowered my voice

Oh,I didnt think you went around shouting on purpose That just made me think of the sketch about the bloke with the huge mobile phone "HELLO... YEAH I'M IN A LIBRARY!!!"
I dont think youre like that at all!

I think either you or your manager need to speak to your colleagues and sort this out. Its not good for anyone and is making you feel 'got at'.

Maybe your manager should point out to colleagues that them talking loudly whilst you are trying to hear your client is making things difficult on a practical level. This doesn't need to bring the emotional (heated) side into it, and she really should deal with it appropriately and directly.