Abstract: A headset is provided including a first earpiece having a first earphone speaker and external speaker; a second earpiece having a second earphone speaker and external speaker; a controller with at least three operational modes, the controller including a power switch; a speaker switch; an earphone amplifier circuit; a speaker amplifier circuit; and a power source; the power source being positioned within the first or second earpiece; the input signal routed directly to the earphone speakers when the power switch is in an off position, the input signal routed through the earphone amplifier circuit to the earphone speakers when the power switch is in an on position and the speaker switch is in an internal earpiece position, and the input signal routed through the speaker amplifier circuit to the external speakers when the power switch is in the on position and the speaker switch is in an external speaker position.

Abstract: The multimodal headset may include: a first earpiece including a first earphone speaker and external speaker; a second earpiece including a second earphone speaker and external speaker; a controller for operating the multimodal headset in at least three modes, the controller may include: a power switch; a speaker switch; an earphone amplifier circuit; a speaker amplifier circuit; and a power source, wherein the power source is positioned within the first or second earpiece; wherein the input signal is routed to the earphone speakers, bypassing the earphone amplifier circuit, when the power switch is in an off position, wherein the input signal is routed through the earphone amplifier circuit to the earphone speakers when the power switch is in an on position and the speaker switch is in an internal earpiece position, and wherein the input signal is routed through the speaker amplifier circuit to the external speakers when the power switch is in the on position and the speaker switch is in an external speaker