Telephone headsets are widely used by people who wish to have both hands free for computer keyboard entry. A monaural headset is a headset with one ear bud that provides mono sound. It either covers or is inserted into one ear. The binaural versions are also good for people with slight hearing loss, especially amidst general office noise as they cover both ears.
A telephone headset can be used with any home or office phone which has a plug in handset. A base adaptor is normally required and there is a choice of monaural or binaural headsets. When planning to use a headset with a hearing aid “T” switch facility, it is important to check the area where it is to be used for unacceptable background magnetic noise from equipment such as computer monitors.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The main benefit of a monaural headset is the ability to be able to wear the headset and still hear whilst being able to converse with colleagues. This is particularly useful for people who have motor difficulties, who find removing and replacing the headset difficult or tiring.
Telephone headsets are now available with a variety of options including wireless. This is particularly beneficial for people with physical disability who have difficulty moving around the office and are not able to get back to their desk quickly to answer the phone, as the headset enables telephone calls to be answered using the headset from anywhere in the office.
Headsets are also available with noise-cancelling microphones, which filter out excessive background noise and provide better clarity. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are softly spoken or to assist callers who have hearing difficulties.
References
Best4Headset Ltd 2009, Buyers guide to headsets: Monaural headsets, Best4Headsets Ltd, West Sussex, viewed 15 June 2011, http://www.best4headsets.co.uk/monaural-headsets.asp.
Printacall 2000, Hearing Aid Compatible* Headsets, Printacall Communications Technology, Denistone East, viewed 15 June 2011, http://www.printacall.com.au/pdf/Hatis.pdf.