Phone Headsets - What am I missing?

[ChallengerHK]

I almost always use my phones with wired headsets. This lets me get things done while I'm on the phone, and avoids having a crick in my neck after hours on the phone.

Problem is, they've never worked well. People are always asking me to speak up so they can hear me, even when I have the volume cranked. The latest one has dropped below usability. I don't have to yell, but I do have to use what I'd call a loud singing voice. OTOH, if I pull the headset and just use the phone, I can speak normally and they have no problem hearing me.

I can't believe that everyone who uses these things has this problem? Am I missing something about them? Is there some spec that has to match between phone and headset? Does anybody make an amplifier for them?

[Bullitt-]

In our business we have used Planatronics headsets for receptionists & dispatchers for years with good results.
There are a myriad of products available and depending on the type of phone system you have as to what is compatible.
Something like this http://www.telecomsuperstore.com/PLANTRONICS_S12_TELEPHONE_HEADSET_SYSTEM_p/65145-01.htm

[ChallengerHK]

Thanks, Wade. Maybe the problem is I've been buying cheap $30-40 headsets.