Originally Posted by
Barley
Headset comfort and technology has come a long way. Personally I'd prefer to wear a quality headset the whole flight. The clarity and hearing protection really do make a difference. Unfortunately the guy in the clip-on tie and cowboy boots that's already half deaf has been doing it a certain way for years and change is a difficult thing for folks in this biz. You'll make do. Nevermind the occasional ringing in your ears. You won't notice it or much else in 15 years. :-)
Couple things:
Anything bulky like a Bose makes it very difficult to don the O2 mask.
It's not that noisy with low indicated airspeed at at high flight levels.
The clip on tie is a safety issue. Become an FFDO and you'll never wear a real tie again. Either that or you weren't listening.