Headset including boom-actuated microphone switch

A headset comprising:

• a housing;
• a controller located in the housing;
• a communication circuit for coupling the headset with a communication device, wherein the communication circuit is coupled to the controller;
• a boom, which is pivotally mounted to the housing;
• a microphone located on the boom;
• a switch that is actuated by pivotal movement of the boom, wherein, in a first position, the switch signals the controller to permit an output signal from the microphone to be used by the communication circuit for voice communication, and in a second position, the switch signals the controller to reduce the level of an output signal from the microphone so that voice communication with the microphone is ineffective.

A headset comprising:

• a housing;
• a controller located in the housing;
• a communication circuit for coupling the headset with a telephone, wherein the communication circuit is coupled to the controller;
• a boom, which is pivotally mounted to the housing;
• a microphone located on the boom;
• a switch that is actuated by pivotal movement of the boom, wherein, in a first position, the switch signals the controller to disable the microphone, and in a second position, the switch signals the controller to enable the microphone, wherein the switch permits a user to temporarily disable the microphone during an ongoing telephone call and to enable the microphone during the telephone call depending on the position of the boom.