The Apology Would Have Fallen On Deaf Ears

(I work in a grocery store as a cashier, often in the express lanes which are ten items or less. I’m a college-age girl. I’m also hard of hearing, practically deaf without my hearing aids. On this day, I have forgotten them. However, my right ear is better than my left, so I’ve been relying on it the entire day. Still, if someone talks directly to me, I can hear them well enough and I can read lips. I have a pin on my apron that says people should face me when speaking. An older man walks through my line.)

Me: “Hi! How are you this morning?”

Customer: “GOOD! I want a…” *turns around while saying what he’d like*

Me: *cute right ear tap* “I’m actually hard of hearing, so could you repeat that while facing me?”

Customer: *leans over my counter and gets really close to my face* “I. Want. A. Small. Latte. With. Almond. MILK! Did you hear THAT?!”

Me: *continues in silence after taking a step back*

Customer: “DID YOU? UGH! Useless!”

(My manager comes up behind me just after.)

Manager: “You probably should have apologized before asking him to face you.”

Me: “I’m not going to apologize for being almost deaf.”