Abstract
Headsets are increasingly used in the working environment. In addition to being frequently used by call-centre staff, they are also becoming more popular with remote workers and teleconference participants. The aim of this work was to describe and evaluate the acoustic signal parameters reproduced by headsets and examine the factors affecting the values of these parameters. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions using a manikin (head and torso simulator) designed for acoustic research. A total of 12 headset models were tested during the research. The results show that the A-weighted sound pressure level of the test signal reproduced by four (100% gain) and two (75% gain) headsets exceeded 85 dB. The highest equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level was 92.5 dB, which means that the headset should not be used for more than approx. 1 h and 25 min; otherwise, the criterion value will be exceeded. The analysis of the acoustic signal reproduced by the headsets confirmed that the A-weighted sound pressure level affected the gain level in the test signal reproduction path. This value also depended on the type of connector used, the computer from which the test signal was reproduced and the type of sound card used.
Highlights
In recent years, and especially over the last two years, headsets have been used more frequently in verbal communication due to the shift towards remote working caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
The results showed that headset users were likely to be exposed to the risk of hearing damage, because the LAeq was up to 103 dB and the peak sound level was above 140 dB
Analysis of the measured levels of the LAeq, LAmax and LCpeak showed that, for 4 out of the 12 headsets used in the tests, the values of LAeq reproduced by these headsets were higher than 85 dB
Summary
Especially over the last two years, headsets have been used more frequently in verbal communication due to the shift towards remote working caused by (among other factors) the COVID-19 pandemic. Headsets are widely used to communicate during teleconferences through internet platforms. Noise measurements are typically carried out according to ISO 9612:2009 [1] using sound level meters or noise dosimeters. This standard does not cover situations where the noise source is placed close to the ear of the worker.
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