Hearing loss statistics are staggering: 30 million Americans age 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears. The Better Hearing Institute says that a large number of people wait up to 15 years from the time they know they have hearing loss until they purchase their first hearing aid, usually around the average age of 70 years old.

It is easy to blame loud music, headphones and ear buds as the cause of hearing loss; in fact, it is more complicated than that. According to Healthy Hearing, illnesses, head trauma and tumors, prolonged exposure to excessively noisy environments, genetic factors, and some medicines, can all play a part.

Aging is another factor that contributes to hearing loss. Currently, we are seeing an aging workforce: Workers are staying in the workforce past age 65. This is the highest it’s been in 55 years. And, by the year 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 36 percent of 65-to-69-year-olds will be part of the labor force.

Regularly, we are asked for headset recommendations for hearing aid wearers, and people who are having difficulty hearing calls. Through testing of our own, and daily use of the professional high quality headsets that we sell, we have some tips that will help you find the best set-up for clear calls.

Tip #1: Headsets must be designed for phone calls, not music or gaming. Taking phone calls all day on a headset not designed for human voices can cause problems. And with all-day wear, hearing fatigue can occur over the course of long work days. Beware of consumer-grade headsets that are tuned for music, rather than speech. Proper acoustic tuning in high quality, professional headsets removes noise that is not audible to the human ear, and simultaneously boosts higher frequencies that make fricatives* easier to discern.

Tip #2: We always recommend a dual ear headset. A mono headset covers one ear, leaving the other ear exposed to background noise. With a dual ear headset, both ears are covered, providing Passive Noise Canceling. The amount and degree of Passive Noise Canceling depends upon the shape and size of the ear cushions, and we recommend headsets with ear cushions that completely surround the ear.

Tip #3: If you choose a corded headset, we recommend the purchase of an amplifier, too. Amplifiers are designed to enhance voice quality and call clarity for headset users, boosting the headset's performance. They make sound louder. This technology enables headsets to be used with corded phones and phone systems. In addition to amplifying sound, amplifiers usually include additional features to enhance communication, including mute and volume controls.

Tip #4: Active Noise Canceling headsets may be an option. Active Noise Canceling technology uses one sound to reduce another sound, and is the latest office headset trend. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the ANC headsets from all of our brands: read the ANC Headsets blog post for more information.

We look forward to working with you on finding the best headset for your hearing needs. Our headset experts can be reached at 1-866-998-9991, or by email. After all, Communication Is Our Business!

*Fricatives are consonants that are formed by impeding the flow of air somewhere in the vocal apparatus so that a friction-sound is produced. For instance, the "f" in fine or the "ch" in Bach.

Source:
Are Americans Working Past Retirement Age? Jim Probasco, RothIRA.com

Tough work environments require tough headsets

High-noise work environments can be intense. Whether it’s driving down the road in an 18-wheeler or working in a noisy warehouse – and other similarly loud environments – error-free communication and collaboration is challenging. Most of us are faced with colleague interruptions that impact productivity, but workers in high-noise environments are also faced with interruptions from equipment, or unconventional surroundings. Safety regulations in the workplace are progressively more restrictive and workers in high-noise environments have indicated that easy, hands-free group communication is of the utmost importance.

BlueParrott mobility-focused headsets are solving these challenges for people in a variety of industries: professional drivers, utility technicians, retail floor help, hotel housekeepers and concierge staff, and warehouse order pickers. BlueParrott, a leader in intelligent and rugged headsets, offers microphones with unrivaled noise-cancelling technology and deliver superior call quality in high-noise environments. These headsets connect to rugged smartphones, tablets and mobile computers, land mobile radios, handheld scanners, and other mobile devices.

Professional Truck Drivers

Professional truck drivers have preferred BlueParrott headsets for years. Strong and stable enough for life on the road, the wireless Bluetooth headsets feature long battery life and up to 24 hours of talk time (depending upon the headset). With hands-free call and text bans in effect around the U.S., drivers of all kinds – from local delivery drivers to Over-the-Road truckers – must use headsets for communicating.

Some of the top choices for drivers are B450-XT, B350-XT and the B250-XTS.

Another recommended headset is new to the market: the B550-XT, the world’s first 100% hands-free headset. Simply by saying “Hello BlueParrott,” tell your headset to “Call” contacts within your phone’s Address Book. In addition, the C400-XT is a great choice for people who prefer a choice in wearing style: the C400-XT can be worn behind the neck (over the left or right ears), and over-the-head.

Field Service Workers

Construction workers, foremen, linemen, and others who work on job sites would all benefit from the use of these same headsets.

Retail and Hospitality Staff

The C400-XT is the perfect hands-free, Bluetooth-enabled headset for those who clean hotel rooms, concierge staff, and retail sales floor workers. Its discreet profile, and trio of wearing style options, offer some flexibility and customization.

Warehouse Operators and Order Pickers

The headset needed for these workers depends upon the picking device that’s being used, and so there are 2 categories for the warehouse worker: Corded or Bluetooth Wireless.

Corded headsets include the VR11, VR12, and VR12F, a freezer-rated headset for environments down to -22 degrees. These headsets have been “drop and tumble tested,” having been dropped 8.2 feet onto concrete across the operating temperature range, and tossed 500 times across approximately 3 feet for 1,000 hits.

If the connection type needed is Bluetooth, then these wireless headsets are recommended: B550-XT, B450-XT and C400-XT.

Supported by the latest in headset technology

Keep BlueParrott headsets updated (via USB) with the free software program, BlueParrott Updater. Install the BlueParrott Updater on your computer (either PC or Mac), and ensure your BlueParrott headset always has the latest features and functions. The BlueParrott Updater download is available free, here: BlueParrott Updater.

The BlueParrott App is available in Apple and Android versions, at no cost. If your headset has a Parrott Button, customize the operation of the Button within the app. The headset is configured out-of-the-box with the Parrott Button configured to mute, and will mute the microphone while both off or on a call.

There is a walkie-talkie feature as well. For all Parrott Button questions, refer to the Help page: Parrott Button How-To

Each headset is protected with a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

Contact our headset experts about BlueParrott headsets, today: 1-866-998-9991.

Noisy open offices can lead to unproductive and stressed-out employees ... and, unfortunately, this work environment is prevalent. Organizations should look to headsets as tools to bridge the gap and increase productivity in the workplace. Headsets must meet the needs of employees (who need headsets that are comfortable, convenient, and cancel background noise) and their customers (who need clear conversations, every time they call) to achieve organizational goals.

Plantronics' newest DECT wireless headset series, the Savi 8200, has been built for the human experience. The Savi 8220 features active noise canceling (ANC) that blocks out background noise so you can always stay focused on what’s important. This is the first headset on the market that's designed with ANC for desk phones! And, to further enhance collaboration and communication, these headsets also connect to PCs and mobile phones/tablets. Count on Plantronics technology for rich, people-first collaboration experiences so good that ideas can be shared and heard—wherever, whenever and however they happen.

With the noise-canceling mic, you’ll sound your best even in noisy environments. For the most sensitive environments, you can turn up noise canceling with the close conversation limiting feature (configurable in Plantronics Hub, free download here) for additional privacy. The mic boom is flexible, allowing for optimal placement: two finger widths away from the corner of the user's mouth.

Top Features of the Savi 8220:

*Active Noise Canceling
*UC and Microsoft certified versions
*Conference up to 4 headsets to 1 base unit - great for training in contact centers and also conference calls
*Connect 2 devices together, for conferencing between PC to desk phone; or mobile phone to PC
*13 hours of talk time!
*Ringer on the base (can be disabled, if needed)
*Large leatherette ear cushions and padded leatherette headband
*Roam up to 590 feet away from the base (this depends upon physical environment)
*DECT Security certified: uses the latest standards in DECT wireless security





The Savi 8200 also comes in a single-ear variant, which does not have ANC. And, just like the Savi 8220 headsets, the Savi 8210 comes in UC and Microsoft versions for every user environment.

Is it time to reassess headsets at your organization? Are you looking for high quality professional headsets with superior sound?

Take a look at the Plantronics Savi 8200 headsets, and call one of our headset experts today: 1-866-998-9991.

Active Noise Canceling is the trend that's taken over the business headset world.

Professionals who require concentration and silence to perform tasks, who need a quiet environment to make and receive calls, will find benefit to the ANC headsets on the market.

The Plantronics Voyager series is a well-known Bluetooth headset series often considered to be the standard in Bluetooth headsets. Reliable, comfortable, and always changing to meet the needs of consumers, Plantronics has listened to consumers, and has added Active Noise Canceling as a feature. Within the Voyager series are three ANC options, each with a unique role in the market that surely even the most demanding consumer will find a variant that meets their requirements and preferences.

The Voyager Focus UC has a desk charging stand, and a traditional mic boom. It is the most traditional looking headset of the three ANC options. On-demand ANC means that you can choose when to turn on the ANC, with a sliding ANC button on the bottom of an ear cushion.There is also a "Listen-In" feature that allows you to "drop in" to the environment with the touch of the ear cup, when the ANC is turned on, and then simply press the ear cup again to experience ANC.

The comfort headband and the large, extremely soft ear cushions get rave reviews from users. MSRP is $299.95.

If you prefer an earbud wearing style, the Voyager 6200 UC is the right choice for you. The padded neckband is lightweight and users usually forget that they are wearing it. The neckband has some neat features: it vibrates to incoming calls; buttons on the neckband manage volume, mute, and ANC with buttons on the neckband. The four microphones at the end of the neckband form a mic array, for great pick-up and dynamic noise reduction.

We are questioned about the ear buds: do they retract? Is there a magnetic connector to connect the buds to the neckband? The answer to both questions is "no." The ear buds hang from the neckband. MSRP is $299.95.

The Voyager 8200 UC has a boomless mic design, which makes this headset resemble headphones. Dual mode ANC lets users choose how much ANC is needed: either airplane level, or noisy office.

Sweat and moisture protection comes from P2i military-grade nano-coating. This headset gives you 24 hours of listen time and 20 hours of talk time! MSRP is $379.95.

Plantronics signature audio, Dynamic Mute Alert, and the Plantronics Hub app (which brings additional functionality to your Plantronics Bluetooth headset with helpful tools, notifications, and status information) are just a few more reasons to consider a Plantronics Voyager headset. All of these headsets are "UC" versions: a BT600 Bluetooth dongle is included with each headset. Keep the dongle in your laptop port for always-ready PC connectivity. Not sure which headset you need? Contact us today and our headset experts can help.

Professional, versatile, and ready for business. Just like you.

The Plantronics Voyager 6200 UC is the latest Bluetooth headset for business that offers Active Noise Canceling in the earbuds, for complete concentration.







The comfort-fit earbuds come in 3 different sizes, for maximum passive noise canceling - plus the headset features Active Noise Cancellation that can be turned on and off. The option to change earbuds ensures that users will find their best fit. The earbuds should fit snugly inside the ear.

You can wear one earbud, or both for stereo sound, or simply wear the neckband and when a call comes in, the neckband vibrates to alert wearers of the incoming call.

We tested the 6200 and could not believe how lightweight the neckband is - we almost forgot that we were wearing it! The headset reminds us of popular sports headphones on the market that you see at the gym, but this headset is all business.

Four omnidirectional mics have Plantronics clear talk technology and enhanced noise cancelling, optimizing your voice and minimizing background noise. Wear it in the office, in the car, on the train, in a coffee shop ... wherever you work, the Voyager 6200 will help you conduct business like the professional that you are.

The BT 600 is the USB dongle that connects the headset to PCs. A micro USB to USB charging cable connects to both the headset and the weighted desktop charging stand. It all comes in a hard-sided zippered travel case. This travel case will protect the headset and we like that there is a small pouch inside the case that holds the extra ear tips, USB dongle, charging cable, and if needed, the charging stand.

There is much to recommend this comfortable, premium, Active Noise Canceling headset, and professionals who prefer wearing earbuds will want to wear this headset every day!

Check out the How-To video below from Plantronics, and contact us today for more information about the Voyager 6200 UC.

Communication is Our Business and our headset experts are ready to help!