Earbuds/Plugs Under Headset
 

I am going to be flying quite a bit for the next couple months for work, and I was looking for some advice for headsets.
I've been using my DC H10-30 since I started flying. They are great, and have held up so well for over 5+ years now.
I am looking into ANR headsets, but they are pricey, especially the Bose A20, or the Lightspeed Sierra (even with a trade in offer, still $400)
Now, I have read, people have used earplugs/earbuds under their headsets to help cancel noise that the PNR of the normal headsets doesn't catch.

My main concern is hearing the Radio, and obviously critical sounds, like the stall horn or engine noises/roughness etc. Another benefit to earbuds would being able to listen to music, especially if I am flying 4+ hours in a day.

If anyone has suggestions for earbuds and or experience with wearing earbuds/plugs under their headsets, everything will be appreciated.

Earbuds are normally worn to allow non-TSO ANR headsets to be used in operations which require TSO headsets.

If you want to reduce ambient noise, earplugs do help with that, you just turn up the audio panel volume up as needed so you can hear the radios or whatever you're listening to through the earplugs.

Might be a problem for stall, gear horns on GA planes. On transport planes, airplane aural warnings are typically routed through the headset audio as well as the cockpit speakers for that reason.

No information has been given about the type of aircraft or operation, but that will help determine what's appropriate.

In particularly loud piston airplanes, I'll usually wear an earplug under a headset, which may be either passive or ANR. I like the Bose headsets, so tend to wear them in most light airplanes, often without use of earplugs.

With my helmet, I use one of two ear systems. I don't have ANR in my helmet, but good passive noise attenuation with with the helmet, liner system, ear seals, and cup inserts. I use the CEP in-ear system that places earpieces under the earcups and allows a backup hearing system as well as additional noise attenuation. I also use the Pro Flight Gear PACE in-ear system which can be fitted to a helmet or headset and uses a standard 3.5mm jack, with custom ear pieces. I use those up to 8 hours at a time and they improve not only communications but hearing protection.

In transport category cockpits, I use a Bose A20, because they're comfortable, quiet, and because at this stage in life, it's not so easy to hear communications with a good headset, even in jet cockpits. When it comes to foreign accents, I have to concentrate anyway, and it helps a lot to have the A20 vs. lightweight headsets like an Airman 750. Knocking out the background noise helps a lot.

As for having your tunes...there are times and places for it, but by and large, remember that you're not kicking it with the homeboys. You're a pilot. Any system that doesn't cut out with an aircraft radio transmission should probably be left at home.

So far as cost goes...it's your hearing and your job. You may not have hearing a few years down the line. Take care of it now. Invest in the tools of the trade. That includes a good headset. Bose, et al, have payment plans.

No, that's my bad for not listing specifics. I will be flying a C172, so it is a GA aircraft. My DC H10-30 have been amazing so far, but I have not worn them yet for extended periods of time, say a full work day of flying.

My primary concern is comfort and hearing protection for long periods of time.

In that case, get yourself a set of Oregon Aero ear seals, the "hush kit" (new high density foam to replace that inside your ear cups), and the oregon aero wide headband...it makes it a lot more comfortable, and it's more than enough hearing protection in a 172.

I wear shooters ear plugs under my Telex 850 and just crank up the volume.

I liked my Telex 850 in a bizjet without plugs. I’ll second John Burke’s recommendation on Oregon Aero hush kit for DC. I used them for years in the C-5 which was loud, probably saved m6 hearing.


GF