Do you want the best headset? 
In today's hybrid work world, professionals across industries like healthcare, finance, education, technology, and government, face constant noise distractions that can derail calls and meetings. Whether it's the sounds in your office, home interruptions, or public background sounds, poor call clarity leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and lost productivity. This blog shares 10 practical tips to enhance audio quality without needing specific gear. Backed by expert insights and real-world strategies, these steps can help you sound professional in any setting. For a quick overview, watch our video on noise-canceling basics below, or dive into the tips.
Why Noise Distractions Hurt Call Clarity in Hybrid Work
Noise isn't just annoying, it impacts communication efficiency:
-
Productivity Loss: Distracting background sounds is seen by most working professionals to be the root cause for compromised productivity, and irritation.
-
Miscommunication Risks: In sectors like healthcare or finance, unclear calls can lead to errors in financial consultations or critical healthcare decisions.
-
Hybrid Challenges: Remote workers deal with home noises like pets, kids, deliveries etc, while busy, or open offices can amplify distractions. And for those who work on the go, like in cafes, the sounds of the general public can be very intrusive when on calls.
-
Focus Strain: Constant noise increases cognitive load, and tension, reducing meeting effectiveness and job performance. If you'd like to read an article titled "Office noise: long-term effects on stress" click here.
Addressing these starts with simple, actionable tips to optimize your setup for clearer calls.
10 Tips for Better Sounding Calls in Noisy Spaces
Here are 10 tips to boost call clarity, drawn from industry experience and user feedback. These tips are designed to work across devices and platforms like Teams, Zoom and other UC applications.
-
Position Your Microphone Correctly: If you’re using a headset, keep the end of the microphone 1-2 finger widths from the corner of your mouth, and just below your lower lip. Keeping the microphone at this distance helps to avoid breathing sounds, and speech popping and hissing. This also minimizes pickup of ambient noise.
-
Choose a Quiet Corner or Use Barriers: Create a "sound zone" by facing away from noise sources or using room dividers/bookshelves. In open offices, acoustic panels or even a blanket over your desk can absorb echoes. Remember, hard surfaces cause sound to bounce freely, where softer materials absorb sound which can lead to a much more pleasant work environment for you, and better sound quality for your callers.
-
Adjust Device Audio Settings: On your computer or phone, enable built-in noise suppression (e.g., in Zoom's advanced audio settings or Windows Sound settings). You can also lower microphone sensitivity to help filter out distant sounds.
-
Use Headset Features Wisely: Opt for headsets with noise canceling microphones, or those with AI mic processing. Most professional headsets today have free downloadable software that allow you to access, and adjust many different features, including microphone and sound characteristics. Avoid setting the microphone at max volume, as it can amplify background noise.
-
Schedule Calls During Low-Noise Times: If it’s possible, plan meetings around quieter periods (e.g., avoid peak office hours, family mealtimes, cafe lunchtimes). Tools like calendar apps can help sync with team availability.
-
Incorporate Software Enhancers: Consider incorporating noise canceling software like neep that works with most audio devices to suppress unwanted background noise. One benefit is noise is removed on both ends of the call, which can be game-changing for many people who struggle with noise.
-
Test and Calibrate Regularly: Before joining a call or meeting, it’s not a bad idea to run a check on your microphone and speakers. This assures you that your mic and speakers are working normally once you’ve recorded, and played back a test. Any needed adjustments can take place prior to going live on your call.
-
Minimize Echo with Proper Setup: To help minimize the chance for echo, or feedback, make sure that the microphone volume isn’t set too high, and the microphone isn’t placed too close to your mouth. Both can lead to audio quality issues. Also, avoid having a fan or heater/ac vent pointed directly at you. Reposition as needed.
-
Communicate with Call Participants: Politely mention noise challenges upfront if you’re unable to control it. Then, mute when not speaking and encourage others to do the same. This will allow everyone on the call to only hear the speaker, and not everyone’s background noise.
-
Upgrade Your Environment Long-Term: Invest in simple acoustics like rugs or curtains to dampen room reverb, creating a more call-friendly space. Remember hard surfaces keep sound bouncing while soft surfaces absorb and arrest sound.
Following these tips can make a meaningful improvement to the sound quality of your calls and meetings. And, you can never go wrong by investing in a professional grade headset that connects to all your devices, and provides excellent sound quality, and noise reduction, like the Yealink HA64 Pro. In the end, you’ll find that you’ll remain focused on the conversations, and not on the distractions.
Why Prioritize Call Clarity in Your Workflow?
Clear audio isn't optional these days really, it's essential for the success of hybrid workers.
-
Boosted Efficiency: Reduces repeats and misunderstandings, saving time, while clearly getting your message heard, and understood.
-
Professional Image: Crisp calls build trust with clients or colleagues in the public, or private sector space. Bad audio tarnishes your image, and creates a loss of confidence in the eyes of your callers.
-
Reduced Fatigue: When the conversations are crisp, and clean, there is less strain from the noise which can lead to better focus and message retention.
-
Scalable Solutions: Easy tweaks work for individuals or teams, with options to expand via software or other programs.
-
Enhanced Audio with neep ai: Pair any setup with neep ai noise canceling software to eliminate noise from both ends of calls, ensuring consistent professional clarity. Try it free for 14 days at neep.com.
Ways To Save With Headset Advisor
If you’re in the market for an update, you can enhance your setup affordably with these options:
-
Trade in old headsets for cash or credit. Contact us for a quote.
-
Use coupon code BLOG for a discount when checking out on the Headset Advisor website.
-
Combine both for even greater savings.
-
Lease headsets and avoid the need for an upfront investment.
-
Request a quantity discount if purchasing in bulk - contact us for a custom quote.
Boost Audio with neep ai Noise Canceling Software
For superior call clarity in noisy environments, integrate neep ai noise canceling software. It intelligently separates your voice from other voices, and distractions like traffic or office sounds, and even cleans up callers’ audio. Ideal for hybrid workers—try it free for 14 days at neep.com.
Business Leasing Program
Outfit your team with reliable gear through our business-only lease program. No upfront investment required, with a low monthly rate that includes warranties that don’t expire, free accessories (e.g., ear cushions, batteries), free shipping, free setup assistance, and ongoing technical support. Contact info@headsetadvisor.com or 800-683-5715 to learn more.
Headset Advisor: Your Trusted Partner
With over 30 years of experience, Headset Advisor helps professionals optimize audio solutions. We custom tailor audio solutions specific to your unique needs. Call 800-683-5715 or email info@headsetadvisor.com for a free consultation or demo.
Final Word: Master Call Clarity in Any Environment
Improving call clarity in noisy spaces is about smart strategies, not just tech. These 10 tips empower you to communicate effectively, boosting productivity across hybrid teams. Enhance with neep ai, explore our leasing program, and use savings like trade-ins or coupon code BLOG. Contact Headset Advisor today to fine tune your setup!
Related Posts:
-
Poly Voyager Legend 50 Microphone Test: USB Dongle vs. Bluetooth
-
EPOS Impact 1000: Best Wireless Headset for Hybrid Workers in 2025
Share This Post: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook
Subscribe: Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What causes poor call clarity in noisy environments? Background sounds like chatter or echoes overpower your voice—tips like mic positioning help.
-
How does neep ai noise canceling software work? It isolates your voice and reduces noise from both ends. Try it free at neep.com.
-
Can these tips work without new equipment? Yes, many are free tweaks to your current setup.
-
How do I test my audio clarity? Use platform test calls or record samples to check.
-
Is leasing available for team upgrades? Yes, no upfront cost with support included. Contact 800-683-5715.
- What if noise persists after these tips? Consider looking into neep ai noise canceling software, or consult Headset Advisor for personalized advice specific to your situation. Headset Advisor has been assisting customers with their communication challenges for over 30 years, so it's worth reaching out.
