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POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A HEADSET FOR A TELEPHONE:
. Brand and type of telephone system the headset will be connected to, as not all headsets will be compatible with any telephone.
. Weight of the headset.
. How you disconnect the headset eg: if you leave your workstation
do you need to remove the headset or can it be disconnected while the headset remains on your ear or head. This does not apply to wireless headsets.
. Adjustability of the earpads, earloops, earhook, headband and microphone.
. Ease of adjustments to the headset.
. Option of interchangeable headset tops.
. Binaural (sound in both ears) or monaural (sound in one ear) headset.

Models

TYPES OF HEADSETS

HEADBAND STYLE:
.This headset has a flexible headband which usually can adjust to fit different head sizes, and fits over the top of the head.
. They can have one or two earpads depending on the individuals requirements.

EARLOOP STYLE:
.This headset style generally encircles one ear totally.
.It usually comes with option of different sizes of earloops to accommodate different sized ears.

EARHOOK STYLE:
. Generally hooks over the top of one ear only.
. Generally these styles are the lightest in weight.

WIRELESS STYLE
. Wireless headset solutions offer hands free wireless freedom.
. The user is free to move away from the desk will using the phone
. They are available as either completely wireless or with a headset that connects to a belt pack.
. Available as over the ear, headband and behind the neck styles.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.