Hi Jane, It sounds like you are working in a very challenging environment! Without a doubt you should consider noise-cancelling headphones. One of our typists was having so much trouble finding a suitable headset that she ended up going into a few large electronics retail outlets and trying on all the headphones they had available, until she found the right one for her. She ended up with quite an expensive set, but they were comfortable, completely covered her ears and didn’t press on the part of her ear where the glasses sat, and they blocked out much of the surrounding noise. Perfect for her needs. Sometimes try before you buy is the best approach. Good luck!

Hi Deb, Thank you for your response and for weighing into the conversation about which headset is best for transcription. It’s such a shame to hear your favourite headset is no longer being manufactured. After I recently broke the band of my favourite bluetooth headset (so comfortable!) I discovered that it too had been discontinued. I must say I did then regret not purchasing a number of them, when I had the chance. Oh well, the benefit of hindsight.

I ended up going into the store of a large home entertainment retailer and trying on the headsets there, a bit like trying on shoes for fit. The retailer had their headsets tethered to the shelving, for security. Most large stores have their products available to try on. I eventually found something I liked, and purchased from that retailer.

A number of our typists have commented that they’ve done the same thing – if you are looking for a change in headset, and if you use the headset all day, it’s best to try on before you buy. As Pacific’s shop is an online shop only, we don’t have a store front or the facility for trying on headsets before you buy. Please click here to view our returns policy.

Good luck in the quest for the perfect headset – and do let us know how you go!

Hi Rita, Thanks for this great question. I’ve recently stumbled across an inexpensive bluetooth headset (43 AUD), which I am absolutely loving at the moment. The Olixar X2 Pro Bluetooth Stereo Headphones are extremely comfortable, especially when wearing glasses and over longer periods of time. I’ve had the headphones going all day and no problem with the battery running out.

Another of our transcriptionists swears by the Creative Digital Wireless Headset HS-1200. He was completely over getting tangled in the corded headsets, chairs upended etc, and after some searching, settled on these ones. He says he easily gets a 5-6 hour stint out of the battery, and as it also comes with a reasonably long cord, can still be used while charging.

Note: He does mention however, that the ear pads are a little on the small side, and I’ve read reviews that make note of this also. I believe this model has since been superseded; however Creative do manufacture a variety of wireless headphones, most of which are around the 100 AUD mark.

I’ve asked around and the majority of our transcriptionists don’t use wireless headsets, which is interesting in itself! I think that in most cases people have just tried out a few until they’ve found one that suits their particular needs. Good luck headset hunting.

Hi Faith, Thanks for the comments. Yes, as a transcription company we certainly do come across audio which has lots of white noise. I’ve not come across a headset which cancels white noise within audio; however when we encounter audio with lots of white noise we first run the audio through software like WavePad. This software compresses the audio file so that the high (treble) and low (bass) frequencies are flattened, thus reducing the impact of white noise on the listener.

We also encourage our clients to use good quality recording devices, and to be mindful of their recording environment. Some clients do like to dictate while in the car, so using a lapel mic attached to their recording device, or a good quality bluetooth headset with mic, is also an option.

Although clients are not always able to influence the recording environment, and poor quality audio is a reality for all transcriptionists, providing clients with helpful tips on minimising the risk of recording poor quality audio is a great strategy.

We have some great tips for recording good quality audio on our website. You might like to help your clients with these tips? Happy transcribing!

Hi Sue, Thanks for your comments and questions regarding finding a good headset for your daughter to use when starting out as a transcriptionist.

As I mentioned in my post, selecting a headset is a very personal choice. I’ve included links to two good headsets which many of our own typists use, when starting out – the Cyber Acoustic AC-401, and the Spectra SP-VC5.

Both are available via our online shop, and both are inexpensive – under $50 each. I’d try one of these. Of course, your daughter is going to need transcription software and a foot pedal also, both of which are available on our online shop. Do let me know how you go, and good luck.