I, too, find it annoying. But, in your case, since this person is in a back office where you, presumably, cannot see him/her, how do you know they aren't using their hands for something else?

Also, when I find myself getting annoyed at someone talking on a speakerphone, I calm myself down by telling myself it's really not much different than listening to two people who are talking to each other in person, within earshot of me.

It's not a separate office so you can hear them and see them. If I couldn't hear them, I wouldn't care. I just find it annoying because no one wants to here your conversation. And if I was the person on the other end, I don't think I'd want other people hearing my end of the conversation.

I'll look at my co-worker and joke that maybe we should make a call on put it on speakerphone too LOL

Because it is the only way many deafened people can hear for one. If I have to take a call inside the house I use the speaker. I try to do almost all my phone communication in my vehicle over blue tooth.

Speaker leaves their hands free to make notes and many people do have to be using the computer while on the phone. Smart phones can also have windows open to see and take notes while on the phone.

You can't simply tuck the receiver under you chin these days like office workers and others used to do back in the day of heavy balanced handsets.

If there is remotely any other sort of noise going on, I cannot hear the other person unless I turn speaker phone on. I do try to go some place private because I'm not fond of other people listening in, but sometimes there's no option.

I wish there were some sound level between no speaker phone, and speaker phone, but apparently there is not.

Speakerphone use within earshot of others, just like loud talking on a cellphone in a crowd (as in a plane or at the airport by the gate), is the height of rudeness and inconsideration to me. No excuses accepted.

I have trouble hearing, so I put my phone, on speaker. I try to find a private place, to make phone calls, but I can't control, when someone calls.

If someone needs to use speakerphone in order to actually hear the person on the other end, that is fine and acceptable in my book. But I'm talking about a person using the speakerphone just to use the speakerphone and everyone has to listen to their convo., now that I find annoying. I would never walk in to Target and browse through isles doing my shopping on my cell on my speakerphone talking to someone. THAT is rude!!

I use the speaker phone because I can't hear if I don't.

My fil died of brain cancer. We don't know what caused it, but we've always suspected the bag phone that he used to use. Johnny Cochran died of the same cancer. There who have been women diagnosed with breast cancer who think it may be caused by carrying their phones in their bra. We don't really know the long term effects of our current phones.

Luckily I don't "talk" very much on my cell phone. Mostly text. I might actually have a conversation that lasts more than 2 minutes 2 or 3 times a week on my cell phone.

A friend of ours insists on talking to us on speakerphone. Half the time it's garbled and we can't understand him. I tell him to call us on his house phone, or not on speakerphone.

I've never been a fan of speakerphone, whether it be a landline or a mobile phone. What I hate the most is when someone does not tell one they're on speakerphone and one assumes this is a private conversation. Speakerphone is the only safe way to talk and drive, and I'm okay with that - just let me know you're in your car and on speakerphone!

Police ride trucks and buses here to catch folks who are talking on the phone while driving ...

... whether "hands-free" or not ... as it occupies a substantial portion of the driver's attention...

... and it results in a big fine.

ole joyful

I work as a telephone care nurse now. It's very annoying when someone calls and they are on speakerphone. You hear them and yourself echoing and it's hard to understand them.

You know what? Thank you for this complaint. Once in a while I use speaker phone, and I had no idea the quality of the sound on the other end was lowered. I think I've only called two --maybe three-- relatives that way. No one has ever said anything to me about it. Anyway, I don't need speaker phone for hearing problems, so I guess I'll make a point not to use it. Thanks.

I do use speakerphone. I have a great deal of difficulty with sound as well so find that I have to use it. For you it might be an irritation but for me it is a blessing. Fortunately my daughter and husband say it sounds fine as do my clients so far. They did not like it with my last phone but with this phone they're fine:-).

HATE IT! HATE IT! HATE IT! I work retail as many of you know. I can't tell you how often customers come in talking on their phones. First: don't. I don't want to hear your half of the conversation, I'm trying to work. How is it different from two people talking face-to-face? People who talk on cell phones are LOUDER. And pushy. They literally push us over. They don't put their phones down when they want our attention. But people who use speaker phones? THE WORST! Not only do I not want to hear your side of the conversation, I really don't want to hear the other side either. You can't help but try to hear because it's right there, and when you're concentrating on your work (I rarely do cash, I'm usually stocking shelves, looking for items because I do a lot of inventory, etc.) it makes it harder for me to do my work. I really don't need to know who is sleeping with who and where the next party is. Those are private conversations. Have them at home. We don't care.

The only time I don't mind is when a customer isn't sure what their partner is looking for and the customer calls the partner. Most of the time, they'll just hand me the phone so I can talk to the partner myself. But please, don't use speakerphone in public. And if you use it while driving, put the phone on a phone stand. Having it in your hand while you're driving is still illegal because it's not hands free. I see so many people holding their phones in front of their faces using speakerphone because they believe it's not the same............ hello?

rant over. Thank you for letting me vent. lol