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Office Noise

3 replies

SkinnyOatMilkLatte · 09/09/2025 22:50

I work in a tiny office with 5 people.

One colleague coughs ALL DAY long. Sometimes I cant hear people on the phone when he goes into a fit.

Sometimes he leaves the room and sometimes he does not. He sometimes drinks water and makes a throat clearing sound after it.

I feel like a bad person but I swear to god it is driving me insane. Every time he coughs more I cringe. Sometimes I use headphones or stick a finger in my ear as he cant actually see me (back to back)

I have tried foam earplugs but I feel rude to other colleagues and I have lots of calls to answer.

He is a well person in general. He had this a few years ago and it went away but now it is back with a vengeance.

How do I cope? another colleague made eyes at me when he was in a fit so I know others are really irritated too.

Its 5 days a week and so hard to listen to. He does say sorry and we reassure him It is ok and I do feel sorry for him he is a lovely guy

OP posts:
Mutability · 09/09/2025 22:55

Noise cancelling AirPods are the best thing ever. They literally switch off the noise around you.

SkinnyOatMilkLatte · 09/09/2025 22:58

@Mutability I wondered if I have Misophonia but its driving others mad too. I will look those up and mabye use them when its really bad thanks for the tip!

OP posts:
Mutability · 09/09/2025 22:58

I have horrific misophonia. They really help.

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