# Experience with "low-talkers"? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 19, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483 "2024-09-19T19:41:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/41 "2024-09-22T12:49:19Z")
I do not wear my hearing aid at home, because I am at home, relaxing. But we have a big house, a few outbuildings, and if I’m looking for my gf she could be anywhere. She doesn’t carry her phone like I do. So, it’s common for me to walk around the house or yard loudly saying, “HELLO”. One day I was recumbent on the couch reading. I heard Rocco, our parrot, say, “HELLO” and my gf yell from the kitchen, “I’M IN THE KITCHEN”. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/42 "2024-09-22T13:13:39Z")
I think some of the time, important parts of the mumbled information may only have been subvocalised or even just spoken using their inner monologue; I generally can’t answer a question someone heard in their head, even if they tell me the last part out loud. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/43 "2024-09-22T13:39:29Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Them: mumble [mumble inaudible muttering] Thursday or Friday > Me: sorry, could you repeat the first part? > Them: THURSDAY! > Me: I didn’t hear the… > Them (interrupting and now shouting as if i am an idiot): THURS-DAY OR FRI-DAY WHICH ONE DO YOU THINK? Would it work to pretend to hear them, and say something like “I’ll tell the news crew to come on Thursday”? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/44 "2024-09-22T19:02:34Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > One day I was recumbent on the couch reading. I heard Rocco, our parrot, say, “HELLO” and my gf yell from the kitchen, “I’M IN THE KITCHEN”. To be fair - Rocco might have actually wanted to know where your girlfriend was and was just following your example. Mine is always contact-calling me to know where I am when he can’t see me. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/45 "2024-09-22T19:04:55Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > our parrot, say, “HELLO” and my gf yell from the kitchen, “I’M IN THE KITCHEN”. My buddy John had an African Grey. He’d imitate his wife and say, “John? John? John?” And then, in a perfect imitation of John he’d say, “WHAT?!” He also used to do her on the phone, “Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh…” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/46 "2024-09-22T20:06:57Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Rocco might have actually wanted to know where your girlfriend was Yes, he does that. When we have company dining in the dining room (duh) adjacent to the sunroom, where he lives, he’ll say those phrases that are most likely to make people laugh. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/47 "2024-09-22T21:45:56Z")
That is hilarious about the parrots. Sounds like a Gary Larson cartoon (there is one like it). I work from home. My wife does not. Unless I’m in an online meeting, or important phone call there is no need for hearing aids when my wife is not home. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/48 "2024-09-22T22:06:55Z")
Now teach Rocco sign language. I’d like to see that😄 My dog Bayliss has talk buttons. It’s amazing what he’s learned, in 6 mos or so. I’m feeling bad today. So he’s punched “ouch” “bed” every time I get up. If I groan or fuss he’s right by my bed. He gets up and punches “Ivy” and “water”.(I fuss alot for water). She told him to shut -up. I punched “Ivy” “ouch”. She gave me a dirty look. No sign language needed. We humans are a very smart species with lots of resources and ideas. Communication should not be this difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2024, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/49 "2024-09-22T22:58:47Z")
Parrots have the advantage that they can actually mimic our oral speech. It makes them sound more intelligent (and they actually are pretty smart). I suspect, though, that our dogs actually understand us better, but are more greatly handicapped by being unable to articulate human speech. Are dogs smarter, or parrots? I don’t know - I think it’s more that they’re _different_. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. But more on topic: there are times my parrot mumbles or talks softly. Is he talking to himself? Practicing his words? Swearing at me when he’s frustrated or grumpy? One thing is for sure - he has NO problem raising his voice when he wants to be heard. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/50 "2024-09-25T03:16:36Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > “Sorry guys but my hearing isn’t what it used to be and I can’t hear the movie if you are talking.” That’s great! I’m always looking for less-insulting ways to shush people. > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I stutter… I’ve never noticed! You must be getting better… ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/51 "2024-09-27T19:19:20Z")
I mumble. I can turn it off easily, but it’s a default. Let’s say I mumble: “How was your day?” Wife hears: “Howie’s gay.” Now here is the point…Wife will say: “You 100% _said_ Howie’s gay”. I’ll say: “I 100% did not say that, I know that’s what you heard, but I _said_ “How was your day”” - because it’s what I said/heard - surely I would know. Who is right - what did I _say_? Did I say what my wife actually heard, or did I say what I intended to say and what I heard. I really don’t know, or if this is some sort of paradox. Surely context should tilt it somewhat - we don’t know a Howie. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/52 "2024-09-27T19:28:29Z")
You might have intended to say, “How was your day,” but you did not care to enunciate clearly enough to be understood. Your wife heard the mumble that came out of your mouth as “Howie’s gay.” What I think you said was, “I don’t care enough about you or this conversation to speak clearly enough to be understood, even though I know this is a long time habit of mine which I can easily turn off.” ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/53 "2024-09-27T19:30:09Z")
Well said. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/54 "2024-09-27T19:32:16Z")
Say again? ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/55 "2024-09-27T19:41:24Z")
**HOWIE’S GAY!** Seriously, fuck me. I’ll let her know this wasn’t even close and she’s right. …but you’re telling me the last 1,000x I’ve walked through the door and said “How was your day?” and we’ve had that conversation every time just goes out the window, and one day I’m going to randomly walk in and say “Howie’s Gay” and you won’t _believe me_ when I say that’s not what I said. I get the confusion, it’s the disbelief that gets to me. ahhh, anyways. This will make her day. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/56 "2024-09-27T19:44:55Z")
Silliness aside, I think the debate over what you actually said should be resolved when you, the speaker, confirm it. No commentary whatsoever from me on your responsibility for the misheard statement. ---
**Author:** ![themapleleaf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/themapleleaf/32/14349_2.png) [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/57 "2024-09-27T23:09:46Z")
Yeah, one of my best friends speaks in a low voice when we’re in public. He just thinks it’s good form. Half the time, I have trouble understanding him, and often have to ask him to repeat what he said. Siiiggghhh… ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/58 "2024-09-28T10:50:09Z")
I think we are in far enough to talk about this. I have very poor hearing, I’m now on my third set of hearing aids as I chase new technology. They are quite good. They connect to my phone via BlueTooth. The app on the phone lets me adjust them for different conditions. Outside (wind noise and such), person to person, music and some other stuff. Low talkers too. But by god I have to remember to turn them down in a normal environment. A place where people talk normally. Other situations too. Was moving some furniture the other day. A heavy wooden chest got dragged on a ceramic tile floor. SCEEEECH. Oh god. As I try to find optimum settings for these things, my wife and I are adjusting. She seems to be a person that either talks quite low, or quite loud. I’m working on it. And so is she. It’s working out pretty well though. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2024, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/59 "2024-10-07T21:46:56Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I have trouble modulating my volume. My husband used to constantly complain i was talking too loudly. Now he’s constantly complaining i don’t speak loudly enough. Partly, i think he has some hearing loss. Partly, he succeeded in training me to speak more quietly. That’s unlucky! I also have trouble remembering to talk more quietly when required, eg if someone is sleeping. Not having a good sense of your volume is a neurodivergence thing. ---
**Author:** ![deneen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deneen/32/17713_2.png) [@deneen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deneen)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483/60 "2024-10-07T21:55:23Z")
Good for you. That’s terrible. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-low-talkers/1007483.md?page=4)