Advice on choosing and buying a headset
Choose a headset with acoustic protection for your hearing
It’s important to choose a headset which offers acoustic protection against what are known as "spikes", and ideally which also has built-in protection to limit the sound level. This prevents unnecessary problems with hearing which – in the long run – can cause permanent damage to your hearing. TCO-labelled headsets meet EU requirements as regards acoustic protection.
Should I choose an earpiece, or a headset? Choose an earpiece or a headset depending on the noise level in the surroundings you work in.
Headsets (both ears) in noisy environments
Choose an earpiece or a headset depending on the noise level in the surroundings you work in.
Noise reducing headsets
Noise reducing headsets are recommended for anyone working in noisy surroundings. Headsets with noise reduction have a microphone which senses the ambient noise, then uses electronic filters to remove disruptive noise and at the same time amplify what you’re saying. This is good when you’re listening to someone else; and also when someone else is listening to you as you don’t need to strain your voice unnecessarily.
Earpieces if you need to keep tabs on what’s happening around you
If you work in an environment where it’s important to know what’s happening around you, go for a monaural earpiece (inserted in one ear). Don’t forget to swap the earpiece to the other side occasionally in order to prevent one-sided stress on your hearing.
Should I choose a wired or wireless headset?
- Wireless headsets are preferable from an ergonomic viewpoint as they permit freedom of movement. However, wireless headsets may offer poorer sound quality. Remember that a long range means higher radiation.
Remember that wireless headset chargers use power when they’re plugged in, even if the headset is fully charged.
- Wired headsets. Choose a wired headset if sound quality is important to you and if you want to avoid radiation.
Radiation from wireless headsets
Bluetooth is an example of wireless communications technology used between multiple IT units.
There are two versions of Bluetooth technology; class 1 and class 2.
Class 1 has a range of up to 100 metres, class 2 has a range of up to 10 metres (and class 3, up to 1 metre). Classes 1 and 2 are used in headsets. Class 1 uses more power to be able to transmit further, and so it produces more radiation. In TCO’s headset labelling, TCO’07 Headset, the SAR limit is 0.04 W/kg.
Bluetooth class 2 is often well below this limit.
TCO-labelled headsets meet requirements for very low SARs, as well as for the electrical and magnetic field (radiation) from the headset charger.
Volume
Choose a handsfree kit where you can reduce the volume.
A TCO-labelled wireless headset will have a volume control for the sound level.
On wired headsets, the volume is controlled on the telephone or computer. The wire and plug are of good quality and are strong.
Minimising environmental impact
Choosing a headset (handsfree kit, earpiece) that doesn’t contain heavy metals and flame retardants will reduce your environmental impact. TCO-labelled headsets contain minimal amounts of these materials.
Contact allergy – avoid earcups containing chrome or nickel
Your headset shouldn’t have chrome or nickel on the outside so as to prevent contact allergies. TCO-labelled headsets are free from chrome and nickel.
Find out more:
Advice on choosing and buying a headset
Advice on using a headset
Advice on disposing of an old headset
Advantages of a TCO-labelled headsets
