| Headset Styles |
1) over-the-head or headband style 2) over-the-ear or eyeglass style (earwrap, earhook, earloop,.etc) either with speaker external to or in the ear (eartip/earbud) 3) in-the-ear only (usually not on office headsets) 4) convertible (at least two styles possible in same headset; example: H141 DuoSet Model not at showcase booth) |
| Monoaural |
Headband style headset w/ earpiece for one ear. Switchable for left or right ear. Best for non-noisy offices and/or offices where you need to hear what is going on around you (i.e. inter-office interaction). |
| Binaural |
Headband style headset w/ earpieces for both ears. Best for noisy offices, when minimal inter-office interaction is needed, or constant phone use. |
| Noise canceling microphone |
Microphone designed to eliminate background noise (i.e., helps person on other end hear you better). Adds approx. $10-$20 cost.Normally comes with flexible booms; you have to be careful how you bend them or they can be damaged. Determine if noise canceling is really needed by placing a call to the office phone to determine its level of audible background noise. Mutually exclusive of voice tube style microphones. |
| Convertible |
Headset that converts to at least two headset styles. Employee has a choice of style with the same headset. Example: Plantronics DuoSet headset |
| Disconnect cable |
Headset cable can disconnect easily to be free of phone when not in use. Adapter cables may be required when headset used with specialty amplifiers. Plantronics' H-series headsets all have the Quick Disconnect(tm) terminating cables. |
| Clothes clip |
Comes standard on headset cords to allow slack in line so head movement does not pull headset. Clip usually slides to useful position. |
| Voice tube |
Tube-style microphone with easily replaceable, moveable tube that can be moved in and out for length adjustment and swiveled in order to position angled tip. Should end two fingers from corner of mouth for best results. To maintain sound quality, replace voice tube periodically. Several colors available. |
| Tone setting |
Bass/treble setting selection for earpiece as a specialty feature (see Encore headset) to improve sound quality. |
| Amplifier |
Necessary equipment that sits between phone and headset. Sometimes integrated with a telephone. An amplifier boosts the sound coming from the phone so it is powerful enough for the headset speaker. |
| Mute |
When mute selector button pushed, caller cannot hear your end. This should be tested in the office environment so you understand how it works. You may be able to hear the caller when mute is ON. |
| Volume control |
Listen or incoming volume control adjustable on-the-fly via thumbwheel, +/- buttons, etc. Outgoing volume control methods vary and may not allow on-the-fly adjusting. |
| Headset/handset selection control |
On amplifiers, normally you must choose to use either the headset or the phone's handset by toggling the control on the amplifier. Normally easily reachable and changed. But handset has to be picked up for every call no matter what the selection unless you use a product like the One Touch. |
| Handset lifter accessory |
Mounted on office base phone to lift handset for you when separate, connected amplifier talk control is toggled. Used with cordless remote units for remote phone answering; headset rings to let you know to answer a call. |
| Chargeable battery |
Used in remote, mobile units. Rated by length of continuous talk time AND standby time. You may need extra batteries charged ahead for uninterrupted service. |
| Channel selector |
Allows channel changes for 900 MHz cordless devices when conversations bleed through. |
| Headset stand |
Provides a place to hang headset when not in use. Can help protect from damage. Usually only available with specialty units as a built-in. |