Headset Glossary of Terms

1.8 GHz
This is a dedicated voice frequency for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT). It provides optimum headset audio quality and eliminates headset interference from Wi-Fi networks, cordless telephones and other wireless office equipment.

2.4 GHz
A newly allocated wireless frequency. In general, 2.4 GHz wireless headsets are less susceptible to interference.

2-in-1 Convertible headset
This type of headset can be worn either like an over-the-head headset or as an over-the-ear headset.

3-in-1 Convertible headset
These models can be worn like an over-the-head headset or an over-the-ear headset, but can also be quickly converted into a behind-the-neck headset.

A

Accessories
Accessories, or consumables, refer to the extra pieces of headset equipment you can buy to improve, upgrade or refurbish your headset, such as ear pads or voice tubes.

ACD
Automatic Call Distribution. A type of phone system commonly used in call centres, where incoming calls are automatically routed to different operators.

Acoustic Coupler
A special seal available on some headsets that blocks out unwanted sound, improving the headset's sound clarity.

AG (Audio Gateway)
An Audio Gateway is a device that transmits the telephone's audio signal to a Bluetooth-driven headset.

Amplifier
Amplifiers increase the headset volume. It is normally a small box with manual volume controls that sits on the operator's desk.

Analogue
Analogue headsets connect to a computer's sound card via a 3.5mm headset jack. Analogue can also refer to analogue signals in wireless telephones, which are generally not encrypted and are of limited bandwidth.

Automated Handset Lifter
This device, when connected to a wireless headset, lets you answer the phone without manually lifting up the handset. Automated Handset Lifters are available in our cordless/wireless headsets section.

B

Behind-the-Neck
A style of headset with a band around the back of the neck which keeps the headset comfortably and firmly fitted to the head.

Biaural and Binaural
A style of headset with speakers for both ears, allowing the headset user to focus more easily on the caller.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short range wireless communications protocol for both voice and data. It allows for seamless, wireless, automatic connectivity between large numbers of devices, including headsets.

Boom Microphone
The boom microphone is a fixed position microphone that is connected to the headset via a thin arm. It allows the headset user to move their head around while maintaining a constant volume.

BroadBass speakers
BroadBass speakers give a headset a more dynamic audio range. Headsets with this function do not suffer from the ‘tinny' sound produced by many cheaper headsets.

Busy Light
The Busy Light is an easily visible light which indicates to others when you are on the line. It can work with or without a headset. Many of our products come equipped with a Busy Light.

C

Call Clarity
The Plantronics Call Clarity system enhances headset audio transmission and reception through innovative noise reduction techniques, producing the clearest possible calls. The headset wearer benefits from less phone line disturbance and background noise.

Circumaural
A type of ear-piece which covers the entire ear, blocking out all sounds. It is not normally found on headsets (apart from specialist models), but is more common on headphones.

Conformable Earloop
Conformable headset earloops are made of pliable materials that conform to the shape of the headset  wearer's ear. This type of headset earloop is much more comfortable than the standard plastic headset earloops.

Connector 2.5 mm
The 2.5 mm jack connects headsets to wireless and cellular phones.

Connector 3.5 mm
The 3.5 mm jack connects headphones and microphones to portable audio equipment.

Connector Cord
The connector cord connects your base unit amplifier and your telephone.

Consumables
Consumables, or accessories, refer to the extra pieces of headset equipment you can buy to improve, upgrade or refurbish your headset, such as ear pads or voice tubes.

D 

DC Adapter
The DC adapter is an optional adapter which provides power for amplifiers without the need for batteries.

DECT (1.8 GHz Wireless Frequency)
1.8GHz DECT is a digital wireless technology for cordless telephones, headsets, wireless offices and even wireless telephone lines to the home.  The technology originated in Europe, but is not used all over the world. DECT has been designed to be more compatible with other wireless technologies, increasing call clarity and security on headsets.

Digital
Digital headsets connect to your computer via a USB port. Software is required and can provide additional features for the headset, including noise cancellation and frequency manipulations. Digital signals are less prone to interference and can be securely encrypted for greater security.

Direct Connect
Direct Connect is a method of connecting a headset to your telephone without using an amplifier.

Directional
Directional usually applies to a headset microphone that is capable of receiving sounds from only one direction.

Donut-style Cushion
The Donut-style cushion is a soft pad with a hole in the middle that is attached to the ear-piece of the headset. It allows increased volume, while improving comfort.

E

Earbud style
The earbud style of headset is similar to the in-the-ear style of headset. It is a discreet design of headset with the headset ear-piece fitting comfortably in the ear and the headset microphone attached to the headset cable.

Eartip
This is the pliable plastic part of an in-the-ear headset that conforms to the natural contours of the ear. It provides the acoustic seal necessary to block out background noise and improves headset comfort.

Extension Cord
A headset extension cord is a cord that attaches to your headset and gives you even more mobility while using your headset. Headset extension cords can be purchased separately from our Consumables section.

F

Firefly
Firefly is a headset feature found on some Plantronics headsets that integrates an on line indicator at the tip of the headset microphone boom. The indicator flashes when the headset user is on the telephone, preventing any unnecessary interruptions.

Flex-Grip
Flex-Grip is a headset design that ensures that over-the-ear headsets fit more comfortably and securely to the ear.

FlexFit
FlexFit is a headset design for intraural headsets that improves the stability of the microphone.

G

GN Netcom
GN Netcom is a leading headset manufacturer. It is subsidiary of GN Danavox, a Danish company.

H

Headset
A headset is a device designed to be worn on the head or over the ear that utilises a microphone and headphones to communicate via telephones, radio devices, mobile phones, and other communications equipment.

Headset Hygiene
Headset hygiene is an important factor to remember when using a headset. The headsets themselves have health and hygiene regulations. Online support on headset hygiene is available on our website and headset hygiene packs are available in our headset maintenance section.

Headset Profile (HSP)
The headset profile describes how a Bluetooth enabled headset should communicate with other Bluetooth devices, like mobile phones and computers.

I

Inline Volume Control
This type of volume control is built into the headset cord so you can change the volume of your headset or mute the headset easily.

In-the-Ear
The in-the-ear headset uses an intraural speaker that fits comfortably inside the headset user's ear.

Intraural
This intraural headset speaker sits gently in the ear canal.

L

Lift Lever
The handset lift lever is a simple device that lifts your telephone receiver from its cradle and holds the line open while you talk. The lift lever combined with a wireless headset allows you to answer calls with your headset at the touch of a button when you are away from your desk.

M

Modular Connector
A modular connector is a standard phone jack connector, usually a RJ11.

Mobile Phone Headset
Mobile phone headsets connect to your mobile via a lightweight wire or wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. The headsets are lightweight and often designed as in-the-ear headsets or over-the-ear headsets. These headsets can be found in our Mobile Headset section.

Monaural
Monaural headsets have only one ear-piece.

N 

Noise-cancelling
Headsets with noise-cancelling virtually eliminate background noise. This inexpensive option greatly improves the sound quality of your headset.

Noise suppressor
This device fits onto the end of a voice tube headset and directs the user's voice into the voice tube, minimising background noise.

O 

Omni-Directional
This usually refers to a headset microphone that is capable of receiving sounds equally from any direction.

On-the-Ear
On-the-ear describes a type of headset where the ear-piece sits comfortably on top of the headset user's ear.

Over-the-Ear
Over-the-ear headsets have ear loops or other devices that hook over the ear and fix the headset in place.

Over-the-Head
Over-the-head headsets are the most common style of headset. They have a headband that goes up and over your head. Over-the-head headsets are typically available in monaural and binaural styles.

P

PerSono
PerSono is a software suite designed to enhance communications over VoIP systems.

Plantronics
Plantronics is the largest manufacturer of headsets. They do not sell headsets directly to consumers, however. They only sell headsets through registered headset distributors like Corporate Telecommunications.

Polaris
Polaris is a range of headsets from Plantronics designed to work with specific models of phones that have a built-in amplifier, such as the Meridian and Norstar telephone systems.

Q

Q Plugs
These are large heavy plugs with pins jutting out from a round aluminium casing. They are used on older switchboards and call centre stations. They can also be known as Lemo plugs.

Quick Adjust
Quick Adjust is a telescopic microphone boom for headsets that lets you adjust the position of the headset microphone for optimal position for speech recognition and clarity of sound.

Quick Disconnect
Quick disconnect is a small connector built into the headset cord that allows the headset user to break away from a call to move around the office and reconnect without taking off the headset or placing the caller on hold.

R

RCA
The RCA plug jack connects wireless headphones to AV receivers and hi-fi equipment.

Remote Answering Platform
A system which allows you to answer the telephone without returning to your desk to lift the receiver.

Reversible
A reversible headset can be worn with the headset speaker on either the left or right ear.

RJ45
The RJ45 jack connects most digital telephone and computers to a communications network.

RJ9
The RJ9 jack connects telephones to handsets and headsets to amplifiers

RJ Connector
A small square or rectangular plastic plug that can be fitted into the end of a telephony or local area network (LAN) cable. It is used to make insertion and removal of cables easy.

S 

Sound Card
A sound card converts the digital signal your computer produces into a signal that can be played through speakers or a headset.

Sound Enhancement System (SES)
The Plantronics Sound Enhancement System provides enhanced bass and treble sounds through the headset, enabling a fuller, richer tone.

Standby-Time
Standby Time is usually the amount of time a wireless telephone's battery can last on ‘stand-by' between charges.

Supraural
This type of headset speaker rests on the outside of the ear.

T 

Talk-time
Talk-time refers to the number of hours you can talk on a wireless headset before it must be recharged.

Three-Point Fit
This Plantronics technology provides four sizes of headset ear-piece and an adjustable receiver arm. The headset can therefore be customised to the user's preference. It is called three-point fit as the headset is adjustable at each of the three points where it comes into contact with the ear.

Training Adapter
A training adapter allows two headsets to connect to a single phone so supervisors can monitor trainees. This product is ideal for helping trainees progress as quickly as possible. It is also referred to as a Y-adapter or Y-cable.

Tru-Comfort
Tru-Comfort consists of a combination of headset design and materials that allow the ear to breath during prolonged headset use. It also makes the headset more comfortable as it eliminates problems arising from long term pressure or contact on the outer ear.

Two-Prong Adapter
The two-prong headset adapter allows you to use your headset with a two-prong telephone system. Two-prong headset adapters can be purchased from our Consumables page.

U

USB
The USB jack connects digital headsets to computers.

USB Headsets
USB headsets connect to the computer via the USB port providing you with crisp, clear audio through your PC. Our range of USB headsets is available in the USB section of our website.

V

Voice Tube
A voice tube carries sound from the headset user's mouth to a microphone that is situated in the ear cup of the headset.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
VoIP technology that allows you to talk to others over the internet, rather than over traditional telephone lines, at greatly reduced cost. VoIP headsets for use with this technology are available on our VoIP/Skype headsets section.

W

Windscreen
The windscreen is small shield, made out of foam, which covers the end of a noise-cancelling headset. This stops the wind from your mouth causing "spitting" sounds in the microphone.