What Is a Binaural Headset?

Binaural headsets are heavier than monaural ones but block more background noise.

A binaural headset includes a microphone and two earpieces. In the Computer Telephony Encyclopedia, author Richard Grigonis writes that headsets allow people who work on the phone, such as call center workers, to answer as many as 20 percent more calls.

Binaural

The word "binaural" literally means "pertaining to both ears." The term can be applied to headphones, headsets and hearing aids simply to distinguish models that provide sound to both ears from those that provide sound to a single ear. The contrasting term is "monaural."

Binaural vs. Stereo

According to the Handbook of Acoustics, binaural devices stimulate both ears but can deliver either the same or different signals on the two sides. If both ears hear the same signal, the binaural device is monophonic, or "mono." If the ears receive different audio, the binaural device is stereophonic, or "stereo."

Uses

Monaural headsets are popular in communications fields because they are lightweight and allow the user to monitor activity in the room while also listening to radio or telephone communications. Binaural headsets are appropriate when the level of room noise is high enough to distract the operator or make it hard to hear the call.

Binaural Recordings

The word "binaural" has a slightly different meaning when applied to recordings. A binaural recording is one that mimics the effect of hearing the original sound with two ears, such as through using microphones implanted in a plastic model of the head. Binaural recordings can be listened to with normal stereo headphones.

References

• Computer Telephony Encyclopedia; Richard Grigonis; 2000
• Online Etymological Dictionary: Binaural
• Handbook of Acoustics; Malcolm J. Crocker; 1998
• Modern Dictionary of Electronics; Rudolf F. Graf; 1999
• The Call Center Dictionary: The Complete Guide to Call Center & Customer Support Technology Solutions"; Madeline Bodin and Keith Dawson; 2002