Choosing A Headset

The choice of a headset is very much a matter of both personal and practical consideration.

Trying to find the right headset to meet your needs can sometimes seem a daunting task, with such a vast array of types to choose from and jargon to contend with.  At Communications Solutions UK we appreciate this - and hope that this section of our site will help make choosing a headset much easier for you.

Things to consider

Before you start looking at particular products, please take a moment to consider:

• If you want sound in one or both ears
• The level of noise in your working environment
• How much freedom of movement you need
• What style of headset you would find most comfortable

Sound in one or two ears?

Sound in one ear ensures that you are aware of everything going on around you, and can therefore stay in touch with colleagues - just like holding a telephone. Alternatively, if you choose sound in both ears you can devote 100% of your concentration to the conversation - this can be especially helpful in a very noisy environment.

Working in a noisy environment?

Microphone sensitivity is important, particularly to your caller.  It makes the difference between sounding as though you're at a football match or in a quiet office.

Any organisation taking credit card details or other personal data from callers need to ensure that the information is kept confidential and is not overheard by other callers, particularly where staff are sat at adjacent desks in open plan offices.

For a relatively quiet workspace use a standard omni-directional microphone.  For a  busier, louder open plan office use a noise cancelling microphone.

Need total freedom of movement?

Corded headsets allow you to move comfortably only around your desk area.  However, if you want to continue a call and have the freedom to walk around the office or consult files, you could choose a cordless solution.  

Which style of headset will suit you?

Convertible headset solutions can be configured to meet your specific needs. Things to consider:

• Headbands are the most popular choice of style
• Over the ear headsets sound attractive, but are unsuitable for many people who wear glasses
• Convertible headsets allow you to meet most requirements by standardising and are also suited to those who want to keep their options open.
• Your situation - please select the environment which is most appropriate to you below for our recommendations:
1. General Office
2. Audio-Conferencing
3. Switchboard
4. Call Centre & Help Desk

See also: "Headsets" and "Headset Ergonomics"