LOT'S of folks like to use the speaker (on highest level of course) on their cell rather than the built in ear piece often because of hearing issues. Sitting at Starbucks yesterday there were like 4 tables doing that. At least you get to hear BOTH sides of the conversation.
Quite annoying. I remember when the "walkie-talkie (Nextel)" cell phones were big and before each person talked you'd get a loud BEEEEEP. Thank heaven that died.