from military to civil?
don't have any idea of your radios requirements but you may wish to check the impedance of your ear speakers as well. often it is just a matter of connecting them in series instead of in paralell.
The best way to root a radio is to plug in the wrong impedance mikes and earphones.
besides no one else may be able to communicate with you, doesn't make for a good day, or a happy boss.
you should find the impedance value written on the back of the earpiece.