Panasonic KX-TCA98 Headset with Dual Wear Options

At work or at home, the challenge is the same: do more in less time. Panasonic helps lighten the load with a flexible line of telephone headsets that free cordless phone users' hands, letting them multi-task while keeping mobile. Panasonic headsets offer innovative features such as microphone noise canceling, speaker mute function and comfortable styling in various designs to accommodate different needs.All Panasonic headset models are compatible with any telephone with a 2.5mm jack. The KX-TCA98 features volume control conveniently placed on the line cord, speaker mute button and noise-canceling adjustable microphones. It is adjustable for either ear. The KX-TCA98 features a convertible design, enabling users to wear it as either an earpiece or headband style.

Designed for use with any cordless phone possessing a standard 2.5 mm jack, the Panasonic KX-TCA98 is an excellent way for you to talk hands-free. It offers two choices for wearing-style: the reversible, removable ear-piece and boom-stlye microphone can be worn over-the ear or attached to the adjustable headband.

The KX-TCA98 features a lightweight comfortable design, whichever way you choose to wear it, and offers a 4-foot cord with an integrated control unit for volume and mute control.

What's in the Box
KX-TCA98 headset, 4-foot cord, user guide, warranty information

1 One word - LOUSY
You would think that Panasonic Cordless phone and Panasonic Hands-Free Headset would work well together, being that they are sold by the same company. Well, that is clearly not the case. I bought this headset specifically for the reason that it is sold by Panasonic to work with their cordless phones. I've tried it a few times and each time I get the same response from the person I'm talking to. They say I sound too far away, that they can barely hear me. This product is clearly not worth it.

2 Dual wear option compromises sound quality & comfort
I was looking for a convienent way to speak with colleagues and clients from my home office without being tied down to my desk. I have a Panasonic cordless phone and decided to stick with the same brand.

This KX-TCA98 seemed to fit the bill. Unfortunately, the over-the-ear option does not allow for use of the enclosed padded "ear muff" - instead, a plastic ring fits behind your ear and a hard plastic speaker enclosure sits directly against your ear ... it's the only way it works, trust me. This arrangement is OK but isn't very comfortable. Also, when used like this, the sound volume is much lower than listening through the telephone itself (yes, even with the volume on headset and phone both up).

The headband wear option utilizes the "ear muff" and offers acceptable sound quality, loudness, and comfort against the ear. Unfortunately again, a compromise in the headband option reveals itself in the mirror ... one side lays flat and snug against your head while the speaker and microphone side push the headband out and away from your head so far that it looks absolutely ridiculous! (Hopefully you work alone)

The in-line volume and mute features work well.

In hindsight, I should have bought a headset-only model which probably fits better, has a better ear muff, sounds better and looks less hodgepodge. Just to top it off - the packaging is sooo difficult to open (even when carefully cut) that it is destroyed in the process - negating any possibility for exchange!

The morale: Don't try to be everything to everyone, just be really good at something.