ACCESSORIES · AUDIO
Choose radio earpieces and headsets: acoustic tubes, surveillance kits, speaker mics and noise-attenuating headsets for 4–12 hour shifts.
Quick answer
The radio is only half of the audio system. The earpiece or headset decides whether the user can hear in a noisy plant room, whether a guest can hear the conversation at the front desk, and whether the radio survives a full shift on a belt.
This page covers the accessory types, the connector question and the environments where each type makes sense. It does not list every SKU; the final accessory is quoted against the radio model and the role.
| Type | Best for | Key trade-off | Typical users | Replacement cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic tube earpiece | Front desk, housekeeping, security | Discreet; cable and earpiece wear out | Guest-facing and patrol | 6–12 months |
| Surveillance kit | Close protection, event security | Very discreet; higher cost | Security and VIP teams | 12–18 months |
| Speaker microphone | Warehouse, construction, yard | Loud and hands-free; not private | Drivers, crews, gate staff | 12 months |
| Boom-mic headset | AV, events, control rooms | Clear speech; more to wear | Event and dispatch teams | 12–18 months |
| Noise-attenuating headset | Plant rooms, airports, heavy industry | Hearing protection; bulkier | Engineering and industrial | 18–24 months |
| Radio family | Typical connector | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Compact analog handhelds | 2-pin | Check pin spacing and waterproofing |
| DMR handhelds | Multi-pin | Connector covers must seal correctly |
| Rugged / IP67 models | Multi-pin, sealed | Use the approved accessory for the IP rating |
| Vehicle radios | RJ45 / proprietary | Handset or speaker mic differs by model |
| PoC terminals | 3.5 mm / USB-C | Confirm audio routing in the platform |
Never force a connector. A wrong plug can damage the radio and void the IP rating.
Start with the environment, then the role. A quiet lobby needs discreet audio; a plant room needs hearing protection and a noise-cancelling microphone. A warehouse needs a loud speaker mic; a security patrol needs an earpiece that stays in place.
Then check the connector and the IP rating. An accessory that does not seal properly turns an IP67 radio into a non-waterproof radio.
Radio accessories are not universal. A 2-pin plug from one model may not fit another, and a multi-pin connector may look similar but be wired differently. Forcing a plug can damage the radio.
When you standardise a fleet, standardise the connector too. It reduces spare parts and prevents a user from grabbing the wrong earpiece.
In high noise, the limiting factor is often the microphone, not the speaker. A noise-cancelling microphone and a close-to-mouth boom or speaker mic make the user intelligible. A noise-attenuating headset protects hearing and improves both directions.
For intermittent loud noise, a speaker microphone with a noise-cancelling mic is often enough. For continuous high noise, use a proper headset.
Shared earpieces are a hygiene issue. For shift-based teams, issue a personal earpiece or use replaceable ear tips. Clean the earpiece between users and replace tips regularly.
Cables fail first. Keep a spare earpiece per department and a small stock of ear tips. A dead earpiece should not take a radio out of service.
Click a question to see the answer
No. Connectors differ by model and brand. Check the exact radio model and connector type before ordering; a forced plug can damage the radio.
A discreet earpiece that carries sound through a clear tube. It keeps the radio on the belt and the earpiece nearly invisible, which is why front desk, housekeeping and security use it.
A noise-attenuating headset with a noise-cancelling boom microphone. It protects hearing and makes the user intelligible in both directions.
Yes. A connector cover or accessory that does not seal correctly can let water and dust into the radio. Use the approved accessory for the model and check the seal.
Plan 6–12 months for daily-use acoustic tubes and speaker mics, and 12–24 months for heavier headsets. Cables and ear tips usually fail before the radio.
Consumer 3.5 mm earpieces may fit some PoC terminals but often lack a proper PTT, noise-cancelling mic or sealing. For professional radios, use the approved accessory.
Send the site size, number of users and talk groups. Our engineers reply within one working day with a workable configuration.
