Telephone Headsets
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If you are on the phone for several hours a day, you might be suffering from neck cramps and headaches that can be eliminated with telephone headsets. With a headset, there is no need to balance the clunky receiver between your chin and shoulder and strain to type or file while talking. Instead, you wear it headband-style or over your ear, leaving your hands free and your neck unstrained.
Telephone headsets come in both corded and cordless models and will increase your productivity because you can use your hands to do other work while you are on the phone. The cordless models allow you to walk up to 1000 feet away from the amplifier, but they tend to be pricier and weigh more. Telephone headsets come with lots of options, including one or two earpieces, noise filtering microphones, and quick-disconnect cables.
Telephone headsets are made up of the earpiece(s), microphone, and a cord that plugs into the amplifier, which you then plug into your phone. They replace telephone handsets while in use. Or you can get a headset/phone combo, which is smaller, where the earpiece fits into your ear instead of outside of it. There are even headsets made specifically for cellular phones so you can drive safely while talking.
Testing Before Buying
Do your research before you buy because comfort and features that help you identify the ideal model for you. When choosing telephone headsets, consider more than just good fit. You might want a mute button or a quick-disconnect feature, depending on your preferences. Know what you want before you purchase headsets, so they don't end up sitting in a drawer, unused.
If you want an inexpensive model, expect to pay around $30, while more durable models are worth the $100-300 you will spend on them. You might be able to get a discount by purchasing from a dealer rather than from the manufacturer. As with any major purchase, by shopping around you will get an idea for what is out there and what the various options cost.
Wearing Headsets Comfortably
Most telephone headsets are worn like a headband and typically cover one ear. But this can interfere with your hairstyle. If keeping your hair neat is important to you, you can buy an earpiece that fits in your ear or is worn over your ear like eyeglasses.
Some people might find it uncomfortable to have an earpiece in their ear, while others who wear glasses won't like the style that is worn over the ear. Many people walk away from their desks frequently during the day and miss many calls. They might want a wireless headset. Others are at their desks more and won't mind being tethered there by a cord.
Either way, using a headset is going to ease your discomfort. It will allow you more freedom of movement, and keep your hands free while you talk on the phone. It is an office purchase that is well worth the investment.
Noise Canceling Headsets and Microphones
Noise canceling headsets reduce the risk of hearing loss for people who work in noisy environments, such as construction or industrial workers and pilots. Flying or doing other noise-intensive activities for long periods places people at a risk of hearing loss. Luckily, these headsets can help in a couple of ways.
First, noise canceling headsets reduce the level of exposure to low frequency noises. Most aircraft have a lot of this noise. Good headsets block out this range of noise, lowering your exposure. That alone will help you to work more safely.
Second, noise canceling headsets allow communications signals to be understood at lower volume levels. Because they lower the low frequency noise, you can hear other people clearly at a lower volume than you would otherwise. There is no longer a need to turn up the volume to decipher what someone is saying. This, too, protects your ears.
In addition to canceling the noise that you hear, noise canceling microphones are a help to block out the unwanted noise your caller might hear. Your microphone will block out the background noise so that they caller only hears your voice when you speak. In between, the line will be so quiet they'll wonder if you are still on the line.
Binaural Phone Headsets Vs. Monaural Headsets
Binaural phone headsets have two earphones, connected by a headband. They are a great choice for blocking out noise at loud call centers. They cost a little more, but if you're buying in bulk for a call center, this is not too much of an issue. Many agents prefer binaural phone headsets because they block out noise better than their monaural counterparts.
Monaural phone headsets are more economical and some people find them more comfortable. They are fine for smaller offices or quieter call centers. However, if you are on the phone for long periods of time or work in a busy, noisy environment, binaural phone headsets are a better choice. Agents can hear better on them because they don't have to filter out background noise when listening to callers.
With a monaural headset, you can usually switch which ear the earphone goes on. So this is not an issue for agents who share headsets. Obviously, with a binaural model, you don't have to choose as you will be able to hear your caller in both ears. Binaural headsets are generally more durable than monaural units. Having two headsets connected by a headband gives the headset more structure, and therefore, more strength and resilience.
Another option, particularly useful for call centers, is the convertible headset. These headsets can be worn in up to six different styles. When you have a large crowd to please, these are your best bet. That way, agents can each choose the type of headset they want--and after their shifts, the next agents can convert the headsets into the different styles they are comfortable with.
Monaural Phone Headsets for Call Centers
Monaural phone headsets are the economical choice for call centers who need to buy headsets in bulk. As a rule, they offer the best choice in price, comfort, and functionality. Most monaural phone headsets cost $20 to $30 less than their binaural counterpart.
If you are buying them for a call center, remember that when you buy in bulk the difference in price is less of an issue. Call center agents generally consider monaural phone headsets to be more comfortable than binaural ones. So if you have a very noisy environment, binaural headsets are probably a better choice. Agents can hear calls better on them, because both ears are covered.
With a monaural model, there is only one earphone. Binaural headsets, having two earphones and a headband, are generally stronger and better able to block out noise. However, some people don't like having both ears covered and find the monaural units to be more comfortable. You should buy monaural units if your agents need to confer with each other, hear each other's conversations, or if your call center is generally quieter.
One other option is a convertible headset. This way, your agents can wear them in whatever style they choose. This is especially helpful if your agents share headsets--when shifts change, the next agents can simply convert the style of the headsets to whatever they are most comfortable wearing. They provide the most flexibility with good functionality and price.
Using Wireless Headsets in the Office
There are several instances where you might use wireless headsets. The first is in the car while talking on your cell phone. Bluetooth-compatible phones are gaining popularity, but while they are still rare you are likely to have to be wired to your phone. Still, a hands-free headset is a safer choice than holding the phone to your ear. With a headset, even a wired one, you can keep both hands on the wheel. Being able to move your neck around, you can turn your head to watch the road.
Another place where you will use wireless headsets is in the office. Any headset will let you type while talking on the phone, without crunching your neck. Wireless headsets, however, will let you move around a bit. Say you are on the phone and need to get something from across your office. You can do that with a wireless headset. You can also pace while you're on the phone, which many people like to do, and you won't be tethered to your desk with a cord. The person on the other end of the line won't be able to tell the difference.
When selecting your wireless headset, there are several choices in technology. Older models use 900 MHz radio waves, like cordless phones. The advantage to these is that they don't interfere with 2.4 GHz devices, like wireless LANs, Bluetooth devices, or microwaves. If you don't have a Bluetooth phone but want to take advantage of its clear sound quality, you can also buy a Bluetooth headset with an adapter that will plug into your cellular phone.
Wireless is also a great option for your cell phone when you want to send text messages or use your phone to take pictures or use the Internet. So if you are looking for more freedom with your office or cell phone, enjoy the benefits of wireless technology. You'll enjoy clarity and be able to roam away from the phone at the same time.
Headset Accessories in Use
Once you have selected the right headset for your needs, it's time to think about headset accessories. Anything from a hands free car kit to a headset amplifier can be classified as headset accessories. You might want to add things on to your headset, or you may need something to complete the package. If your headset does not fit your phone, you have two choices. You can either replace your telephone with a headset phone and the headset you've bought. Or, you can use your existing phone with an amplifier and your headset. The amplifier will plug into your phone, and the headset will connect to your amplifier. Amplifiers also allow you to switch between your handset and headset, and they usually have a mute button so you can block out internal conversations if you get interrupted.
Another accessory comes with the car kit. If you are using a headset for your mobile phone, or if you just want to talk in the car hands free, you will need a power supply. Car kits come with a cord that you plug into your car's cigarette lighter, which then powers the phone. It saves on battery use, charges your phone, and allows you to talk while concentrating on your driving.
If you need replacement parts, those headset accessories are available too. Often, call centers, or offices that use a lot of headsets, will stock extra earphone cushions and voice tubes in case one breaks. That way you will be able to get right back on the phone, instead of ordering a whole new headset and waiting for delivery.
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