Choosing the right transcription headphones is extremely important because as a transcriptionist you will likely be wearing and using your headphones every day, sometimes for several hours at a time. So it becomes important to find transcription headphones that are comfortable, durable, and in your price range. As a transcriptionist, it is nearly impossible to be productive by simply using computer speakers to listen to recordings.
Headphones offer a lot of great features for those whose profession involves good listening skills. It becomes a waste of time if you constantly need to rewind and playback recordings because of poor headphones or because you are attempting to use computer speaker. Headphones allow you to block out background noise and focus on listening closely to the recordings. They are essential if you work from home in a busy household or at a busy office.
Comfort is the most important aspect of choosing the right headphones. There are many different types of headphones to choose from to accommodate your comfort level. There are the common over-the-head headphones that are used by most people. These types of headphones may come with cushioned ear pads that will make them easier to use and wear for long periods at a time. When choosing an over-the-head set of headphones, make sure that they are not too heavy. Many professional headphones may be heavy and can cause neck strain if worn for an extended period of time.
Over-the-neck headphones are similar to over-the-head headphones, but they use your neck to offer support for the headphones, instead of being supported over your head. A lot of these types of headphones will have similar features, such as padded ear cushions, adjustable cords, etc...
Another type of listening device that is becoming popular are earbuds. Earbuds fit into your ear to work and are great at blocking out background noise. While every one will have their preference, many transcriptionists find earbuds irritating after a while. If you are used to wearing earbuds when listening to music or talking on your cellphone, then you may prefer earbuds over other conventional headphones for transcription work.
Durability is another key feature when choosing transcription headphones. You will likely be using your headphones for several hours each day, so you want a set of headphones that will be able to last. Many headphone manufacturers offer replacement ear pads for their headphones; so if you often wear out your ear pads then you may look into only those models of headphones that have replaceable ear pads so that you do not have to purchase a new set of headphones just because the ear pads are worn out.
The price range of headphones vary tremendously. There are headphones designed for audiophiles and professionals that can run into the hundreds, while, as a transcriptionist, you should be able to find a durable and comfortable set of headphones for less than 0. Some headphones have special features that will run the cost up a bit. For instance, there are headphones that have a noise-canceling feature that many transcriptionists find helpful. If you work in a noisy environment, then opting for noise-canceling headphones may be worth the extra price.