telephone headsets allow heavy phone users to talk hands free while still focusing on their work. They are very popular in call centers and busy offices. Telephone headsets range from basic wired models that have a single earpiece and boom microphone to advanced wireless models with noise cancelling capabilities and programmable buttons that can be used to mute conversations, speed dial and more.
Most telephone headsets require a piece of equipment called an amplifier which plugs in the same jack your handset (receiver) does and controls when the headset is active. Some phones have a headset jack that is pin-aligned to the headset adapter and may not be compatible with all headsets. Adapters are available for most phone models that allow the headset to be used with either type of headset.
Many older telephones that have a switchhook lever under the handset ear piece need a special device called a lifter which lifts the handset off the hook to connect to the line and replaces it when the headset is removed. A lifter is not necessary with newer telephones that have the discrete circuitry built in to enable a headset connection.
Most modern desk phones allow headsets to be connected using a standard 2.5 mm stereo jack. The headset manufacturer can recommend an appropriate headset adapter for use with your telephone model. Most wireless headsets will also work with most telephones as long as the headset is configured to use a different radio frequency than DECT which shares the same 2.4 GHz band that is used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless data transmissions. This can sometimes lead to a crowded bandwidth and interference. It is recommended that you consult your telephone system provider if this issue arises.