Headsets are often seen as low-tech devices, but they contribute a lot in terms of productivity and entertainment. We have seen in WW2 footages that soldiers already worn headsets inside warships and communication centers. Today, headsets are lighter and become more stylish. Many headset models are wireless, allowing for movement and better comfort. Headsets are essentially consisted of two components, headphone and microphone. It means that users are able to hear and talk at the same time, allowing for better communication with other people. The hands-free aspect of headset could really improve our productivity than using two separate components. Law enforcement also relies on headsets in dispatch centers to ensure that police officers can be directed immediately to problem areas. The most common type of headset is the one with double earpiece. However, there’s also single-earpiece headset that can leave another ear free and this will allow for better multitasking. You may also find external and internal headsets, which based on the placement of the microphone. With external headsets, the microphone arm is located in front of the mouth, while for the internal model, the microphone is located close to the earpiece.
Wired headsets are affordable solutions. It’s simple and the sound quality is superior, compared to the wireless model. On the other hand, wireless headsets are appropriate if you want to move more and look trendier. Wireless headsets are also more expensive and despite the added costs, the sound quality is worse. One drawback with wired headset is that cables can be damaged and tangled. Your movement could also be restricted by the length of the cable. Wireless headsets are often based on Bluetooth technology, if you are using them with mobile devices. Another feature that you could find is noise cancellation. When the headset picks up our speech, the signal is not received cleanly. There are background noises that can be recorded and transmitted, so they need to be eliminated. It means that the speech will be understood more easily, because listeners don’t need to struggle trying to listen to the speaker. When you are talking from a noisy warehouse, you can be sure that the person at the other end will be able to better understand you. Headsets with embedded noise cancellation capability are also known as omni-directional.
On the other hand, bi-directional headsets have microphones that have excellent reception from a desired angle. It means that any sound from other angles will be rejected, so it’s not appropriate for 360 degrees hearing. Another thing to know is that how headsets are strapped on our head. A common type is headset with headband that’s placed over our head, while other headsets have headband that goes over the back of the neck. Some small-sized headsets have ear hook that directly attached to our ear. In cars, we often need to wear mobile headsets, that allow us to have two way communication without obstructions. Standard earphones are not appropriate, because the cable could get tangled as we manoeuvre our hand inside the car cabin.