Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets

F R E E G U I D E

Researching communication headsets canbe extremelytime-consuming

There are an overwhelming number of competitive options available today. Needs and requirements vary from business to business, so we’ve put

together this buyer’s guide to help identify the questions you should ask and the

things you should look for when making your next purchase.

GettingStarted

Do you need a communications headset? The following questions can

help you figure that out:

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 4

Do you work in a high noise environment (over 70dB)?

Take a look at the graph below; this will help you determine whether or not you work in a high noise environment that would require hearing protection.

Levels of Noise in Decibels (db)

Pin dropping 10

20

30

40

50

60

70

75

80

85

85

90

95

100

110

120

125

130

135

140

150

160

170+

Rustling Leaves

Recording Studio, Whisper

Computer, Quiet Library

Light Traffic, Refrigirator, Moderate Rainfall

Conversational Speech, Air Conditioner

Shower, Dishwasher, Large Dog Barking

Toilet Flushing, Vacuum Cleaner

Alarm Clock, Garbage Disposal, Moderate Surf

Passing Diesel Truck, Snow Blower, Well Drilling

OSHA recommends noise not exceed for extended periods

Belt Sander, Forklift, Power Tools, Lawn Mower

Nail Gun, Food Processor, Concrete Saw, Data Center

Bull Dozer, Electric Grinder, Hand-held Drill, Motorcycle (Riding)

Concert, Car Horn, Sporting Event, Chainsaw, Grader, Scraper

Thunderclap, Jet Plane Takeoff

Balloon Popping, Snow Mobile

Loud Stadium Noise, Jackhammer, Ambulance

Air Raid Siren

Fireworks, Gun Shots, Drag Racing

Fighter Jet Launch

Shotgun, Rifle, 0.357 Magnum Revolver

Safety Airbag, Howitzer Cannon, Rocket Launch

Soft - Comfortable over 30 minutes Very Loud - Dangerouse over 30 minutesUncomfortable - Dangerouse over 30 secondsPainful & Dangerouse - Instantly Dangerouse

Moderate - Normal everyday noiseLoud - Uncomfortable over 30 secondsNot to exceed - Can cause hearing loss

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 5

Will noise levels prevent you from doing your job safely?

If the level of noise makes employees uncomfortable and threatens their ability to hear an alarm, an approaching vehicle, or an announcement over the PA, then an investment in headsets can make your workplace a safer place to be.

Do your employees need to communicate with those around them to get their jobs done?

If they can effectively and safely do their jobs throughout the day without being in regular communication with anyone (by radio, cell phone, or in-person), then you may want to look into simple earplugs or earmuffs without communications capabilities. However, if communicating is a challenge and a necessity, then an investment into quality communication headsets could lower the risk of accidents and hearing loss claims.

Choosing the rightheadset

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 7

Does it have radio/cell phone communications capabilities?

Be sure to verify that the headset you’re considering has two-way radio, short-range radio,Bluetooth devices such as Cellular and tablets for audio and streaming, or face to facecommunication capability if you require it.

What two-way radios are compatible with the headset?

You’ll want to look for something that can connect to the majority of the radio models on the market, especially those made by the most popular brands. If you’re using a less well-known radio brand, you may have to contact the manufacturer or a local dealer for a compatibility check.

Keep in mind that your brand of radio may share the same connector as some of the more popular brands and you can then base your search off the model of the more popular brand. Another factor to consider is if the headset cable can easily be changed in case you change your radio/radio brand in the future, some headsets allow a simple cable change allowing you to keep the same headset and save money, while others are hard wired to the headset and require a completely new headset.

What other communication options does it offer?

Short range radio:

Some headsets offer a short-range radio option as an alternative to connecting to two-way radios. These Short Range radios are usually built-in to the headset and transmit through an FM radio frequency — giving you a wireless option for headset-to-headset communication. This option works best when there is direct line of sight, no more than 50 meters (164 ft) apart. Keep in mind that two-way radio transmit range is impacted and limited by walls or other obstructions.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth® compatibility via cell phone, tablet, two-way radio or other Bluetooth enabled devices is another fantastic feature to have on a communication headset. It can provide hands-free, noise-free communication for you on the job.

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 8

Does the headset allow you to hear your surroundings?

Safety Professionals are becoming more aware of how important it is for workers to beable to hear their surroundings and anticipate hazards in the workplace. For example, a truck reversing nearby, a pipe with a leak or even an alarm sounding should not be eliminated by the headset.

Unfortunately, simple noise protection devices like earplugs and earmuffs typically reduce all sounds equally. However, new technologies are being developed that suppress background noise while still allowing workers to maintain the ability to hear their surroundings at a safe volume. Some even offer 360 degree situational awareness or 3D sound meaning that the audio is directional - you can tell where the sound is coming from.

To check if a communications headset has this ability, look for words like “situational awareness”. Just be sure that any system you are looking at, always limits surrounding noise to under 85dB to prevent long-term hearing loss.

Does the headset have an electronic volume limiter?

There are many headsets on the market that offer excellent protection from background noise, but no protection from the volume of the incoming radio! That means that while your workers are protected from the 105dB machinery noise, they can turn the radio up to 110dB and experience hearing damage anyway.

Try to find a product that will limit all communications levels under 85dB with an electronic volume limiter that also allows you to program for the specific level of high noise and length of exposure times your workers will face. This will allow for flexibility with the changing needs of your organization.

Will you be using other accessories with your headset?

While there are some very standard accessories usually offered with a particular communications headset (like a two-way radio cable, for example), there may be other accessories or replacement parts that could prove useful in your work environment.

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 9

Bluetooth dongle:

For example, you can now purchase a Bluetooth® dongle for your radio which eliminates the need for a two-way radio cable by allowing you to go completely wireless.

In-line or external Push-To-Talk (PPT) buttons:

You can also find in-line and external PTT buttons, (particularly useful for those wearing large gloves)

Throat Mics:

For those needing to communicate while wearing a respirator.

Audio inputs:

And inputs for listening to music on the job.

Comfort options:

You might be interested in additional padding comfort options for your ear muffs. Cool pads are absorbent pads, which assist in increased comfort especially for wearers in hot or humid environments.

Replacement parts for easy repair:

You might also be interested in headsets from manufactures that offer various replacement parts that allow you to keep your headset in good working order for long periods of time and at reasonable prices. This lowers your total cost of ownership and headset replacement costs. Most manufacturers offer ear pad replacements, but not all offer replacement headbands, neck bands, helmet mount kits, wind screens, boom mics, radio cable replacements, ear tip cable assemblies, etc. to keep your headset as good as new.

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 10

Does it offer a noise-canceling boom mic?

A noise canceling boom mic can make or break a headset’s abilities. Ensure that the headset specifies that the boom mic is “noise cancelling” in the description. Any other type of boom mic will not hold up to the type of industrial noise your employees may encounter and will make the communication with their team members difficult or impossible.

Is the cable built-in to or detachable?

Some headsets have a cable built right in, while others have detachable cables. While a built-in cable may reduce the initial cost, if it breaks or malfunctions in any way you’ll need to replace the entire headset. Detachable cables can easily be replaced when needed.

Does the headset deliver digital sound quality?

Digital sound in an electronic headset is hard to come by, but can greatly enhance the communications experience. If incoming audio is low quality, employees may be tempted to remove their headset to communicate, exposing themselves to dangerous noise levels.

If is doesn’t say digital audio or DSP or noise suppression in the specs then is is very likely NOT digital audio.

Buyer’s Guide for Communication Headsets 11

Will a hard hat be worn with the headset?

Most headsets will offer a behind-the-neck version which simply places the over-the-head part of the band in the crook of the neck with a thin strap across the top. The advantages are that you can keep your headset on and remove your helmet when you are in an area that does not require helmets or you can remove your headset in areas that require helmets but not hearing protection as they are separate from each other.

There are also brands that offer a headset style that clips directly into a hard hat. Just be sure you have the correct type of hard hat for this – in other words, a hard hat with slots in the side – and that you supply the brand of your hard hat to the dealer when making your purchase (different adapters work for different types of hard hats). The advantages are that the helmet and the hearing protection are attached and must be worn together so the worker is less likely to forget one or the other. Also another advantage is that ear muffs actually help hold the helmet on your head and make it less likely to fall off during an accident.

Is there an earplug option?

If an in-ear solution like an earplug is preferred, find a brand that provides the features you need. Just make sure you’re answering the other questions listed above and getting adequate hearing protection, Communication options needed and situational awareness.

Options for extremeenvironments

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Are Intrinsically Safe options required?

Intrinsically Safe equipment is becoming more important these days with increased safety regulations on oil & gas, manufacturing, and mining environments that have hazardous gases or explosive dusts present. If you work in one of these areas, be sure to look closely at the specific certifications the headset has. In the U.S. and Canada you’ll typically need to have UL913, or CSA certifications and in Europe and Australia/New Zealand you’ll typically need to have ATEX or IECEx certifications

Can it be used hands-free/VOX (Voice Activated Transmit)?

VOX, which stands for Voice Activated Transmit is a feature that allows you to use your two-way radio hands-free. VOX type headsets keep the microphone active all the time, which means that the radio will automatically start transmitting when you speak. Think about how your workers will be using their hands throughout the day. If they need the use of both hands throughout their work day, then this feature is a must.

How high are the noise levels - Does your NRR/SNR/SLC80 rating require Double Hearing Protection(DP)

You will need to know how high the noise level is in the area your employees work in. Use a sound level meter or have your local two-way dealer analyze the sound levels. The majority of the communication headsets on the market are going to max out at a 25dB NRR. This will effectively protect you in areas that top out at 105dB. If you’re getting readings above that level, you will need to search for a double hearing protection (earplugs inside a headset) solution that also offers two-way radio communication.

Summary

Key Benefits

Remain Aware of Surroundings

Protects Against Hearing Loss

Reduces Dangerous Noise Levels

Reduce Work Place Hazards

Better Working Conditions

Increase Safety

Multi Functional

Clear Communications

Increases Productivity

Fundamental Features

360O SituationalAwareness

ProtectsHearing

CellularBluetooth

Two-wayRadios

ElectronicVolume Limiter

IntrinsicallySafe

Face to FaceCommunication

Short RangeCommunication

There are many things to consider when selecting a communication headset to fit your specific needs. We hope this resource has helped guide you through this process, and educated you about the many communication headset options available today. The answers to these questions can be key to finding the headset or earplug that is the right fit.

Communication needs vary from industry to industry, be sure to look for a supplier that is willing to listen to your needs and work with you to find the right industrial headset for your particular work environment.

At Sensear we have specialists who will perform a comprehensive needs evaluation and work with you to discover the headset solution that will solve the communication, safety and risk issues in your work environment. Our mission is to provide you with the most natural hearing experience, no matter how noisy your work environment.

Check out our Free Headset Selector Tool to find the most appropriate headset for your situation.