I am a private pilot working on my instrument rating and find it most frustrating when I need communications repeated or need to ask my instructor what was said. Flying a Diamond 40 with Garmin 1000 .Currently using Telex PNR headset but have a Faro G2 ANR which I am tyring out. Have Rexton ITC hearing aids and have had vents opened maximally to decrease plugging effect. Any hints/suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thom:cool:
I wonder if you could communicate with your instructor and ground control using a direct audio input using a pocket talker with microphone to your instructor and a y adaptor to the output of of your radio. You might also benefit from a noise cancelling headset. The pocket talker is portable amplification device to use workout your aids as it seems that your hearing loss is mostly affected by the noise of the aircraft. Lookup pocket talker and other technologies at harriscomm.com.
I fly approximately twice a month and presently use a Bose A20 ANR costing $1100. Until about 20 years ago, like most pilots, I used a hand mic and speaker, but then started using an intercom with inexpensive passive headset. Thought we were in heaven. I eventually upgraded to a $200 ANR before progressing to the Bose. I tried a $800-900 popular Lightspeed Zulu 2, but liked the Bose a little better. They are both great headsets with lots of reviews on the net pro and con.
I leave the ANR switch off when starting the engine to listen for problems. When the ANR switch is tuned on, it seems like the engine quit it’s so quiet!!! However, headset speaker noise-static from other pilots poor radio transmissions and/or noise from common unicom frequencies like 122.8 that are used by several small airports over a large area still wear on me at times, but better than my old headsets. I try to keep the volume down on the radio or headset. I have never had a problem communicating with passengers and/or an instructor. Check the net and usually suppliers will let you try headset for 30 days or more. Maybe another pilot will let you try their ANR. I flew with a pilot that had a pair of Bose to seal the deal. Hope this helps.
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I started using CEP’s when the Army began issuing them in the 90’s and I still think they are the best solution for protecting your hearing and making communications crystal clear.
Out of curiosity I bought the Bose A20 a couple years ago and I was impressed with their noise reduction and clarity, but somehow my ears would still get “fatigued” after flying and I began to suspect that the ANR wasnt fully protecting my hearing.
I sold my A20 and went back to using CEP’s. I wont fly without them and I recommend them to everyone that asks my opinion.