Is Noise-Canceling Headset for Work Useful in the Office?

In the office, especially for those who have worked in open-plan environments, it's well known how noise can distract you and impede working at maximum efficiency. Noise generally falls into two categories: noise heard by the caller and noise you hear yourself. This article will delve into the issue of workplace noise and introduce how noise-canceling headset for work can assist you in better managing noise.

Noise Heard by Callers

When you're sitting at your desk and taking an important call, various office noises can distract you, affect your concentration, and potentially degrade the call quality. While centralized site management can reduce some interference, noise remains an issue that needs addressing.

Noise-canceling headset for work is a powerful tool for countering distracting environmental noise. Whether you’re dealing with multiple conversations in the office, the sounds of cleaning activities, or noise from nearby equipment, using noise-canceling headsets can help manage these issues more effectively.

Noise-canceling headsets have built-in microphones that filter out unwanted background noise while capturing your voice. This helps distinguish call content from surrounding noise. However, not all headsets for work come with this noise-canceling feature. When choosing a purchase, ensure the model you want has this functionality.

Office headset microphones typically fall into three categories: non-noise-canceling, noise-canceling, and ultra-noise-canceling.

Non-noise-canceling

These headsets do not filter out any surrounding noise. Without checking with the supplier or reviewing the product specifications, it can be difficult to determine if a headset has noise-canceling functionality. Typically, non-noise-canceling headsets can be identified by their clear "audio tubes," which are transparent plastic pieces extending along the cheek with a microphone at the end.

Noise-canceling

As the name suggests, these headsets can eliminate unwanted background noise. While they can't completely eradicate noise, they make your voice clearer to the caller, minimizing noise interference. Most headsets for work on the market today come equipped with noise-canceling microphones.

Ultra-noise-canceling

These headsets are relatively rare but can be found on certain models. They are marketed as capable of eliminating a higher degree of unwanted background noise. If your work environment is particularly noisy, ultra-noise-canceling headsets might be a worthwhile option to consider.

Noise You Hear

Now that you've decided to use noise-canceling headsets, you might also be concerned about whether they can reduce the noise you hear yourself. If your goal is to minimize noise interference for better concentration, the headset's wearing style will be an important consideration.

Today's market offers various wearing styles for headset for work, including:

• Monophonic headsets: Cover one ear, usually worn over the top of the head.

  
  

• Stereo headsets: Cover both ears, worn over the top of the head.

  
  

• In-ear headsets: Worn directly in the ear.

  
  

• Convertible headsets: Can switch from over-the-ear to over-the-head wearing styles.

  
  

Among these wearing styles, stereo headsets are generally considered the best for reducing unwanted background noise. This is because they cover both ears completely, providing better sound isolation. However, even within stereo headsets, design differences exist. Therefore, when making a purchase, be sure to compare the performance and comfort of different brands and models carefully.