Do you want the best headset? 
In 2025, telehealth is a vital, and growing part of healthcare, connecting doctors, therapists, and patients virtually. But is your audio setup up to the task? Many professionals prefer to use earbuds for virtual visits, but are they suitable for telehealth’s demands? Our latest video explores the pros, cons, and risks of using earbuds and why business-grade headsets are the better choice. Watch it below to learn how to ensure clear, professional, and HIPAA-compliant communication.
Watch the Video: Earbuds vs. Headsets for Telehealth
Dive into the pros, cons, and risks of earbuds for telehealth with our video below, featuring microphone tests, key risks, and our suggestions for a better communication experience.
Why Audio Matters in Telehealth
Clear audio is essential for effective telehealth. Misheard symptoms, interrupted therapy sessions, or background noise leaking sensitive information can erode trust and compliance. A 2025 Forrester report notes that 70% of telehealth users cite poor audio quality as a major barrier to effective virtual care. Earbuds, while convenient, often fall short in delivering the professional sound, privacy, and reliability needed. Let’s dive into the risks.
The Risks of Using Earbuds for Telehealth
Earbuds pose several challenges in telehealth and business settings:
-
Poor Microphone Performance: Earbuds, even premium models, lack the finely tuned microphones found in business-grade headsets, resulting in subpar sound quality that can make it harder for patients or Clinicians to hear clearly.
-
Inadequate Noise Cancellation: Earbuds often fail to suppress background noise like office noise such as coworker sounds, household noises like people, pets or workers, or street noise. All of this can distract patients and risk HIPAA violations if sensitive information is overheard, such as in background conversations.
-
Limited Battery Performance: Due to their small size, earbud batteries typically last only a few hours, insufficient for all-day telehealth schedules. Business-grade headsets, like the Yealink HA64 Pro, offer up to 32 hours of talk time, supporting demanding workdays and even extending into a second day before a battery recharge is required.
-
Comfort and Durability: Earbuds can cause discomfort during long sessions and aren’t built for the daily rigors of professional use, unlike headsets that are purposely designed for all-day wearing such as those in business contact centers, or demanding, phone intensive healthcare environments.
These limitations can compromise patient confidence, disrupt workflows, and expose providers to compliance issues. Fortunately, there are solutions to enhance earbuds or upgrade to a better alternative.
Boost Earbud Performance With neep AI Software
If you’re committed to using earbuds, neep AI noise-canceling software can significantly improve audio quality. With a free 14-day trial, neep AI reduces background noise on any device, including earbuds, ensuring clearer calls and better HIPAA compliance. neep will also remove the background noise from your caller's environment as well. While this is a valuable workaround, it doesn’t fully address battery life or comfort issues, making business-grade headsets the superior choice when compared to using earbuds.
Many people also connect earbuds to Bluetooth enabled computers and then proceed to use them on calls, and on meetings. This isn't the greatest of ideas. That's because connecting to computers via Bluetooth leaves you vulnerable in these ways:
- You won't have a reliable signal, and risk choppy conversations, or dropped calls.
- You won't get as much wireless range as you would if using a USB adapter.
- You won't have access to advanced features like remote call answering.
To learn more about the differences between connecting via Bluetooth compared to connecting using a USB Adapter / dongle, check out this side-by-side comparison.
Why Business-Grade Headsets Are the Best Choice
Business-grade headsets, like the Yealink HA64 Pro, are designed for professional environments and outperform earbuds in telehealth settings:
-
Optimized Microphones: Advanced microphone arrays deliver crystal-clear audio, ensuring patients and healthcare workers hear every word accurately.
-
Superior Noise Cancellation: Technologies like Acoustic Shield 2.0 eliminate background distractions, safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining professionalism.
-
Extended Battery Life: With up to 32 hours of talk time, headsets support long telehealth sessions without needing a recharge, unlike earbuds’ limited few-hour battery life.
-
All-Day Comfort: Lightweight designs and cushioned earpads ensure comfort during extended use. Earbuds, due to their in the canal design, can cause ear discomfort when used for long periods of time.
-
Seamless Connectivity: Business headsets are DECT, Bluetooth or both enabling effortless device switching between computers, desk phones and mobile devices, with wireless ranges reaching up to 600 feet for mobility during calls. Earbuds do not provide extended range with most providing 50-100 feet, or less.
The “best headset” depends on your specific needs, whether you’re in a busy clinic, home office, or on the go. Our friendly, knowledgeable Advisors at Headset Advisor can help you find the perfect match. Contact us at info@headsetadvisor.com or 800-683-5715 for personalized recommendations.
Leasing Options for Businesses
For businesses looking to equip their teams with professional headsets, Headset Advisor offers a leasing program designed specifically for business organizations. This business-focused lease provides an affordable way to access top-tier headsets like the Yealink HA64 Pro with a low, affordable monthly rate of just $10. It includes free shipping , a non-expiring warranty, and replacement accessories like ear cushions and batteries. Please note that our leasing program is tailored for businesses and not available for individuals. Contact our Advisors at info@headsetadvisor.com or 800-683-5715 to learn how leasing can benefit your organization.
Score a discount. If purchasing is your preferred method, then make sure to use Coupon Code BLOG at checkout to get a nice discount on your order.
Headset Advisor: Your Trusted Partner
With over 30 years of expertise, Headset Advisor specializes in matching professionals with the right audio solutions. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or equipping a large telehealth team, our Advisors are here to guide you. Call us at 800-683-5715 or email info@headsetadvisor.com for a free consultation or demo.
The Final Word: Choose the Right Headset for Telehealth
For many, Earbuds are convenient, and familiar, but their microphone limitations, poor noise cancellation, limited battery life, and comfort and connectivity issues make them risky for telehealth, potentially leading to HIPAA violations. Enhance earbud performance with neep AI noise canceling software or upgrade to a business-grade headset for superior sound, privacy, and reliability. Businesses can explore our leasing program for cost-effective headset solutions. Contact Headset Advisor today to find the perfect headset for your telehealth needs.
Related Posts:
-
Why Earbuds Fail for Video Calls: Top 3 Headsets to Boost Productivity in 2025
-
How Wireless Headsets Boost Receptionist Productivity in 2025
Share This Post: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook
Subscribe: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest headset reviews and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Are earbuds suitable for telehealth?
Earbuds can work for casual use but lack the microphone quality, noise cancellation, and battery life needed for professional telehealth. Business-grade headsets are recommended. -
How does neep AI improve earbud performance?
neep AI noise-canceling software reduces background noise, improving audio clarity. Try it free for 14 days at neep.com. -
Why are business-grade headsets better for telehealth?
They offer optimized microphones, advanced noise cancellation, extended battery life (up to 32 hours), and all-day comfort for clear, private communication. -
Can businesses lease headsets from Headset Advisor?
Yes, our leasing program is designed for businesses, offering affordable monthly payments and included accessories. Contact us at 800-683-5715 or info@headsetadvisor.com for details. -
Which headset is best for my telehealth setup?
It depends on your environment. Contact Headset Advisor at 800-683-5715 or info@headsetadvisor.com for a tailored recommendation. -
Can I try a headset before buying?
Yes! Reach out to Headset Advisor for a demo or explore business leasing options to test a headset like the Yealink HA64 Pro.
