Choosing the Right Headsets or Earphones for Business
In this digital age, there seems to be a never-ending stream of information. Much of this is via audio, whether you’re taking part in a conference call in a cubicle, listening to notes on a digital recorder, or trying to hear a news report while on the go. Too often, people try to compete with surrounding noises by increasing the volume. Instead, find the proper headphone to suit your needs.
Anyone who works in an office will probably wonder why a speakerphone seems to be necessary when there is just an individual on a particular call. In these cases, rather than shouting into a tabletop microphone and having to lean in to hear from the speaker, the caller would be better served with a headset with an attached microphone. Likewise, while roaming the streets on the way to a meeting, a wireless headphone can be used, and it will often improve call clarity.
Headsets have been around almost as long as telephones have, but headset technology has improved greatly over time. There are wireless options that cut the cord and noise-reduction technology, which can be ideal for listening to recorded “notes” from a meeting. Here are the basics you should understand before choosing a headset.
Design
The first consideration for earphones and headsets is whether you desire an in-ear, semi-open or ear-cup model. In-ear models, also called earbuds, can be used for stereo applications, including music, as well as for listening to recorded files. These are ideal for environments in which there are a lot of competing sounds, and they are a good solution for taking notes after a lecture or meeting, as earbuds let you concentrate more closely on the audio than you can when using the speaker on a device.
The downside to in-ear headphones is that they can put too much volume directly into the ear, causing hearing loss over time. That’s why most audiologists suggest limiting the use of these in-ear headphones and watching the volume. It is also recommended that you turn the volume all the way down on a device before putting the earbuds on, and then raise the volume as necessary.
Semi-open headphones go over the ear but are not entirely closed. This makes them good for areas where noise isn’t too great, such as in an office, and yet they don’t get as warm as fully closed ear cups. The fully closed variety are good at blocking outside noise, but because they fit tightly they can, over time, become warm and uncomfortable. Both varieties are available as headsets with microphones and are good for hands-free phone and VoIP applications, such as Skype.
Noise Reduction
Noise reduction or noise cancellation can reduce real-time ambient and background noises, allowing you to concentrate on a recording. These are good for traveling -- even if you’re not actually listening to anything -- because they help lessen that low-level hum from the engines of an airplane and let you arrive at your meeting well-rested. Of course these headphones can also be really good for those times when you take a break from work to listen to music or a movie.
While noise-cancellation headphones do not have to be of the closed-cup variety, because the sound and frequency reduction is done electronically, the models that are sealed to outside noise are more reliable and effective. There are also earbud-style models that completely close off the outside world, as they compress into the ear like earplugs.
Wireless
A final headset option business users should consider is of the “wireless” variety, including the earbud-style headsets used with mobile phones. Today, these typically use Bluetooth technology to transmit short distances, meaning users need to be in close proximity to the mobile device. These are good for users who need their hands free. One factor to consider is that Bluetooth isn’t the most secure of wireless technologies, so users should be cautious when discussing any sensitive information.
