Coworker makes noises regularly

[Anonymous]

My new coworker in the office next to me at work seems to cough or clear his throat regularly--almost like a verbal tic. It is a slight annoyance, but makes it a bit more difficult to concentrate. Has anyone encountered something like this, and if so, did you just endure it?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you just endure it. Treat it like you would if you were next to the copy room and had to regularly hear the printer/copier working.

[Anonymous]

Be thankful the regular noises aren't belchs or something worse!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I've had coworkers like that; one former, one current.

It stinks. Try playing music softly, if you can, or even just wearing headphones with nothing coming out.

You could try offering him a cough drop a few times, and he might either get the hint and try to stop, or explain if there's some reason/condition that this is a part of.

[Anonymous]

Download white noise app.

[Anonymous]

Ohhhh I’m pretty sure I am that coworker (and I have CW’s who do it too so it’s not just me!) Allergies and sinus problems are a b*tch. You could hear my boss coughing and sneezing in her office through the walls even if the door was closed!

[Anonymous]

Yeah I might be that co-worker too

I'm not new though

I hate always feeling like I have something in my throat due to allergies

[Anonymous]

headphones.

[Anonymous]

Allergies, sinus problems, some antihypertensive medications (the "Lisinopril cough"), mild congestive heart failure, asthma, some heart valve problems. Lot of possible medical reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Allergies, sinus problems, some antihypertensive medications (

the "Lisinopril cough"

[b]), mild congestive heart failure, asthma, some heart valve problems. Lot of possible medical reasons.

what? my spouse is forever hacking in the morning. he takes lisonopril

[Anonymous]

OP here. To me it sort of sounds like a verbal tic, not a regular throat-clearing or cough. I have an uncle who also, in retrospect, may have had a verbal throat-clearing tic, and this sounds similar to that.

However, not sure if that changes anything for me as the one who is closest in the office, and hears this from coworker everyday. I guess I have to just suck it up, and maybe close my door when it's really frequent or wear headphones. I think a white noise machine would be weird in my office culture, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

I had a coworker like that -- right next store; I also assumed it was a tic -- but she had a serious medical problem and was more frustrated than me. Knowing it wasn't voluntary helped me feel more compassionate. But it's still disturbing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. To me it sort of sounds like a verbal tic, not a regular throat-clearing or cough. I have an uncle who also, in retrospect, may have had a verbal throat-clearing tic, and this sounds similar to that.

However, not sure if that changes anything for me as the one who is closest in the office, and hears this from coworker everyday. I guess I have to just suck it up, and maybe close my door when it's really frequent or wear headphones. I think a white noise machine would be weird in my office culture, unfortunately.

My DH does this and it struck me as a tick initially. He apparently has thick saliva and it’s how he keeps his throat clear. Still gross and annoying, but I mostly tune it out now. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. To me it sort of sounds like a verbal tic, not a regular throat-clearing or cough. I have an uncle who also, in retrospect, may have had a verbal throat-clearing tic, and this sounds similar to that.

However, not sure if that changes anything for me as the one who is closest in the office, and hears this from coworker everyday. I guess I have to just suck it up, and maybe close my door when it's really frequent or wear headphones. I think a white noise machine would be weird in my office culture, unfortunately.

A friend of mine had that problem. Turns out it was silent reflux.

[Anonymous]

I’m mom to two kids with tics. I know it is distracting to be nearby because there have been periods in my kids lives when tics have been unrelenting. It can be grating to the person who has to listen. I have no answer to make this easier for you except to suggest headphone or politely and respectfully ask HR/boss to switch offices. But somebody is going to end up in the office next to your coworker. I always felt badly for the students sitting next to my kids in class. But please show compasssion to your coworker. Please understand that it is far worse for your co-worker than for you . My kids hate that they tic. They’re self-conscious and sometimes the tics cause physical discomfort. It is no easier to control than a chronic cough or sneezing.