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As most people know, headsets come in a variety of shapes and styles. We’ve seen them in the movies or have from time-to-time, come across them in our everyday pursuits. From the dowdy old fashioned contraptions that weighed a ton and slung around the users head and neck - to the modern-day overear styles that are used in all the glamour shots by Hollywood directors and fashion photographers. There is even a type, also not that common anymore that slings under the users chin and resembles a doctor’s stethoscope.

The truth is, most people prefer the standard, run-of-the-mill headband type that has a supporting band going across the users head. We call these, funnily enough - headband headsets! There are two types though in this category - Monaural meaning mono - or single, covering only one ear and the other being the binaural - ‘bi’ as most of you would know, meaning two.

Now just when you thought those names were weird enough, there are new shapes that have emerged in recent years that have a headband that goes around the back of the users head. These are strangely enough called ‘behind-the-head’ (the industry hasn’t devised a more sexy name yet) This style is very much like the overear type in that only a handful of people actually like wearing them. I’m not saying they are no good or anything like that. It’s just a matter of personal choice, in that, when most people try them, they prefer to use the traditional headband types instead. Why? You may ask. Well here’s some reasons perhaps.

Well firstly, it all begins with comfort. Like we were told when we were kids - ” if God had meant you to smoke - you’d have a chimney” Well, the same applies to headsets. As much as we in the industry love them, the human body wasn’t really designed to take a headset - wearing a headset is unnatural. For most people wearing anything on their head is most likely going to be uncomfortable after a while, and anything that hangs on or around your ears may look great, but after 10 minutes you’ll want to take it off. So, obviously, getting the right one is important.

This situation also applies to the behind-the-head style - looks great, but not many takers once they have given it a try. For some reason the sensation of the band going behind your head gives many people a feeling of constriction - like someone is squashing their head. This is also true of many headband styles too - but usually, its just a matter of adjustment and getting used to having the “thing” on your head.

Now, there will be those among you who will say - this all rubbish; “I actually prefer an overear “. Well, I forgot to mention that those who do use an over ear will generally never ever wear anything else. Many users of overear styles do so for aesthetic reasons - they don’t want to spoil their hairdos! While others feel that they look ‘dawky’ wearing a headset, so if they have to wear a headset, an overear style is less punishing for them. They usually realize though in a few weeks, after they begin using a headset - nobody takes much notice anymore.The silly jokes from co-workers stop, about ” wanting fries with your order” or “beam me up Scotty”, and the business of getting on and using your headset to full advantage takes place.

Scott McNair is the CEO of New Zealand-based , SureVox Headsets.He has spent over 15 years in the headset industry both in New Zealand and Australia, where he hails from originally.SureVox products are available internationally and potential distributors are welcome to make contact.
sales@surevox.com
http://www.surevox.com