There is a three position switch on the 2.5 mm jack that allows you to adjust the noise canceling feature of this headset. Even on the least canceling setting, people on the other end of the line complained that I was hard to hear. I guess over time, I will get used to talking a bit louder. The conveniece of being hands free on my cordless phone while canceling out some unwanted noise seems to make it worthwhile. Plus, the price was right.