Originally Posted by
Itsajob
Some people act like anything louder than sitting in a parked car is unsafe, uncomfortable, and something short of the gates of hell. The 737 is loud compared to something like the 787, but it isn’t the torture chamber that people make it out to be. ANR headsets are nice, but not the necessity that some imply. Simply speak up when calling for checklist or asking for flaps and gear. If you do that, an ear mold and earplug that you pick up in flight ops work just fine. Most of us are old enough that much of our hearing is gone and we talk loud anyway. At least that’s what my wife says when we’re in a crowd and I think that I’m whispering.
I had those same feelings until I caved and got the Bose Proflight.... I never realized how loud it was until wearing the ANR, and then taking it off. I also feel much less fatigued after a long day.... Most capts I fly with also have one but I recently flew with someone who didn’t. Wasn’t a big deal until we had a medical issue and were trying to communicate with medlink. Capt just had the ear dick and was constantly having to ask them to repeat themselves, while I could understand them perfectly fine. Also they were having a hard time hearing him because of the tIn can sound that some of the aircraft boom mics have...... Again I shared your sentiment until I converted and now I wonder what took me so long and would definitely never go back.