The Importance of a Headset When Using a Two-Way Radio

There are several good reasons why an organisation should equip their staff with headsets for their two-way radio fleet. Headsets are a logical extension to a radio transceiver as they allow clear, safe communication in noisy environments. Most headsets connect directly into the radio, enhancing its features and benefits. Many can be customised to suit specific requirements and all should be very comfortable to wear. Most importantly, they allow the user to hear what is going on around them, at a safe, controlled level (Level Dependent), thereby still maintaining communications and hearing protection.

Based in Southbourne, Hampshire, Talking Headsets as the name suggests is a headset specialist. They have a very diverse client base supplying a vast range of headset solutions in the commercial, aviation and maritime sectors.

Russ Billings MBE, General Manager of Talking Headsets, said, ‘When a customer has a headset requirement to support their portable two-way radio device it is usually because hearing protection is mandated. Sometimes they want hearing protection because the solution just makes it easier for everyone on the team to understand each other when using the radio. Sometimes they want a solution around the ears where the audio quality provides them with a greater service for their application.’

Legislation increases the responsibility of employers to protect the hearing of their employees. Radio equipment is commonly found in high noise level environments and any headset employed must comply with the appropriate EU standards as well as working correctly with the radio equipment.

There is a health and safety legal requirement which states that you need hearing protection in an environment where the noise is above 85dB. There is also a safety requirement for individuals who should wear hearing protection if they are unsure of the output of the equipment they are using. That equipment could be saws, chainsaws, rifles…anything that makes a loud noise could require hearing protection.

Russ said, ‘Headset technology is developing. There is a significant demand for wireless technology where people want Bluetooth between industrial radios and headsets to remove that cumbersome wire that most solutions use at the moment. There are however risks in whether a Bluetooth solution will stand up to the requirement. For example, if it did fail because of certain noises in the region that break that communication link, what do they do. Do they revert to wired solutions? However, as time goes on, wireless or Bluetooth technology will adapt to support the industrial user.’

If you work in the industrial, marine or aviation markets, Talking Headsets supply every type of headset you could think of the Icom range. Russ said, ’In the commercial sector we can supply climbing helmets that people use in forestry so if you are climbing up a tree working with chainsaws, we can provide under the helmet or helmet-mounted communications support. We could do the same if you were working for a big company such as an energy firm who work up masts or pylons.

He added, 'Going on to marine applications, we work closely with GECKO who is a big market leader for helmets and we provide solutions for communication inside their helmet for the Icom range of marine radios. For aviation, we can provide headset communications for Icom Airband radios such as the IC-A25 and IC-A6’s that support airside where there is a lot of noise. This ensures the actual operator has hearing protection plus direct communication.’

For more information about the Talking Headset range of headset solutions visit Talking Headsets or visit their dedicated Swatcom website where you will find an extensive range of off the shelf solutions. Alternatively, contact their sales team on 01243 375708 or info@talkingheadsets.co.uk.