A communication headset (10) having an ear mount (12), a communication base unit (14), a hinge unit (16) that pivotally connects the communication base unit (14) to the ear mount (12) and allows the ear mount (12) to be rotated between an open position and a closed position relative to the communication base unit (14), an activation switch (18) that automatically activates the communication base unit (14) in the open position and automatically de-activates the communication base unit (14) in the closed position.