Heavy Phone Use? Headsets Reduce Risk of a Sore Neck Valerie Hartt and Lee Ridgway

If your job requires that you carry on phone conversations while 
simultaneously operating your computer or other equipment, you 
may be a good candidate for a headset. Cradling a telephone handset 
between your ear and shoulder is usually uncomfortable, even with a 
shoulder rest. Tension and soreness can build up in your neck, 
shoulder, and upper back. If prolonged, this tension and soreness 
may result in repetitive strain injuries.

Telephone headsets can help ease upper-body tension by as much as 
41%, according to studies conducted at Santa Clara Valley Medical 
Center, in California. An additional benefit, according to the same 
study, is that headset use can improve workplace efficiency by as 
much as 43%.

Types 
Headsets are either the headband type that goes over the top of the 
head, or a type that hangs on the ear. Headbands can be monaural 
(sound in one ear) or binaural (sound in both ears); on-the-ear 
models are monaural only. Most models come with a quick-
disconnect button.

If your work area is noisy, you may want to consider a headset with 
a noise-cancelling microphone. These microphones can block out as 
much as 75% of background noise.

All headsets require an adapter, whether you use an analog or ISDN 
telephone.
 
Testing and Recommendations
IS Telecommunications has tested several headsets from different 
vendors to find the best products for MIT clients. Criteria were 
comfort, durability, clarity in voice transmission, and a fair price. 
In general, IS recommends the headband type over the type that hangs 
on the ear: it offers more support and helps the user to hear better.

A list of recommended headsets is available in the 
Telecommunications Customer Service Center in E19-741.
 
Advice and Purchase
IS Telecommunications can help you evaluate your situation and 
advise you on the kind of headset best suited to your needs. You can 
even visit with the MIT Operators, who use a variety of headsets, to 
check out different models. You can also borrow a loaner for a 30-
day trial period.
 
When you are ready to buy, you can order headsets and adapters 
from the Telecommunications Customer Service Center. Prices of 
recommended headsets (with adapter) start at $175.

For more information about headsets, stop by E19-741 or call x3-
3690.