While the microphone is the most complicated part of a noise-canceling headset, there are other features to consider. The headset can either include a single earpiece, often with an ear hook for better stability, or a double earpiece similar to a set of headphones. The single earpiece allows a caller to be aware of what's going on outside the call -- most helpful when you're walking down a busy street. However, the double earpiece allows you to hear a call more clearly, which may be desired in an office setting.
Headset design has come a long way since its invention in 1910 [source: Utah History to Go]. Noise-canceling Bluetooth headsets are available for a variety of models. Sizes continue to shrink and adapt to the changing design needs of the consumer. The Jawbone Bluetooth-enabled headset, for example, is designed to look more like a hair accessory than a phone [source: Aliph Jawbone]. Similarly, the Plantronics Discovery 925 features a diamond-shaped earpiece that looks more like jewelry than a headset [source: Plantronics].
The earpieces in noise-canceling headsets work by sealing off your ear from outside noises. Noise-canceling headsets come with earpieces in a variety of sizes so that anyone can get a perfect ear seal. For more on how noise-canceling works in the earpiece, see How Noise-Canceling Headphones Work.
Most headsets have connectors and adapters, or they can be synced with your Bluetooth-enabled phone. Check with the manufacturer to ensure your phone will work with your headset.
The controls on a headset are typically minimal, since you would use it in conjunction with your regular phone. The controls are typically limited to a "talk" button and an on/off switch for the noise-canceling feature. The noise-canceling feature uses a little extra power, so some users can choose not to use it in every situation.
For more information on noise-canceling headsets, please see the links below.
Related HowStuffWorks Articles
More Great Links
Sources
- Aliph Jawbone. (6/11/2008) http://www.jawbone.com
- The Boom. (6/9/2008)http://www.theboom.com
- "Ety-Com Hands-Free Noise Isolating Headset." The Travel Insider. (6/9/2008)http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/etycomheadset.htm
- Etymotic. (6/9/2008) http://www.etymotic.com/pdf/etycom-manual.pdf
- Huang, Xuedong D., Liu, Zicheng, Zhang, Zhengyou, Sinclair, Michael J., Acero, Alejandro. Free Patents Online. "Multi-sensory speech detection system." Free Patents Online. (6/11/2008) http://www.freepatentsonline.com
- Lee, Nicole. "Aliph Jawbone 2 (silver)" CNET reviews. (6/5/2008)http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/aliph-jawbone-2/1995-13831_7-33018086.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
- Mossberg, Walter S. "Cellphone Headsets With Less Bulk, Background Noise." The Wall Street Journal. May 15, 2008. (6/9/2008)http://ptech.allthingsd.com/?p=222
- Patent Storm. (6/11/2008) http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7269266/description.html
- Plantronics. (6/11/2008)http://www.plantronics.com
- Roberts, Mary Rose. "Hear comes the show." Mobile Radio Technology. 01 Mar 2008.
- Utah History to Go. http://historytogo.utah.gov/salt_lake_tribune/history_matters/070801.html
- U.S. Hands Free Laws. (6/13/2008)http://www.drivinglaws.org/
- U.S. Patent Database, US Patent 7269266. (6/13/2008) http://www.uspto.gov/patft/
- Zheng Y. et al., "Air and Bone-Conductive Integrated Microphones for Robust Speech Detection and Enhancement" Automatic Speech Recognition and Understanding 2003.