A wireless two-way communications headset is able to enter into a partial power mode in which a latching or non-momentary power switch has been operated to an “on” state, but in which there has been a lack of user operation of the headset for more than a predetermined period of time, and in this partial power mode, a processing device of the headset monitors manually-operable controls for an indication of their being operated by a user in a manner indicating a user's intent to engage in audio communications. In response to this indication, the headset enters a higher power mode in which a wireless link with another wireless device is formed and then performs the function intended by the user. In being operated by a user to initiate audio communications with another wireless device (e.g., making a telephone call), the wireless headset first attempts to do so with the wireless device with which the wireless headset most recently engaged in audio communications, and failing that, the wireless headset then attempts to do so with second-most recent wireless device with which the wireless headset engaged in audio communications.