Company provided headset ?? And pray the guy before you didnt have the flu !!
The influenza virus can live up to 10 days on a mic muff . I am not a germaphobe but why take risks ??

 

Billy is correct. The ear mold is the only way to go. A good snug fit that you'll forget you're wearing. The cost isn't that significant and they last forever.

During the four years I was on the Guppy, almost everyone had their own molds and it was pretty "standard" throughout the fleet. They fit in a small plastic case and no, you won't loose them.

G'Luck Mate

 

Curious...for those using the Telex 850 in the 737, do you use the single sided version, or the two sided? We don't use the intercom function where I work, and I am wondering if you can have a conversation with the other person if you are wearing the two sided version?

 

I have a Sennheiser HMEC-25KA. It is an "on the ear" lightweight ANR TSO'd headset. Takes (2) AA batteries, which last about 60 Flight Hours. It's 10 years old and still kicking..

 

I have the two sided 850, and I usually just slide the ear cup off my ear to hear the other guy when I need to. You can usually hear the other guy fine with the both cups on your ears, but not wanting to miss anything I end up sliding it off. More and more though, I can convince guys to use the rubber band on the intercom switch to create a "hot mic" and then use both ear cups! I think the 850 is perfect for the 737.

Philly

 

I have an 850 one sided and it works great. I started with a two-sided but found that I was always sliding one side off so I could hear the other guy. The only time I have trouble is trying to understand a select few foreign pilots on the radio. Then again, I don't think the headset would help me understand them any better with two ear cups.....

 

I wear the two-sided... you're not always talking, and why not have ANR for both ears? If he needs your attention, you'll hear him.

 

I have a Sennheiser HMK-25 also. 14 years and counting. being a bit older, i get 20-25 hours out of 2xAA batteries. I use rechargeables, so keep two spares in the kit.

As for the no intercom, what you mean is there is no hot mike switch you can select and it stays on. My favorite is to take a high tech rubber band and latch the PTT intercom switch on the comm panel around the attach bolts on the lower part of the panel. HOT MIC! Select FLIGHT INTERPHONE and talk all you want with noise canceling.

Two problems: Dont select before the tug driver disconnects or he (SHE) hears all you say. Second, when your compatriot gets up to go aft, and you pull out your O2 mask, turn the HOT MIC OFF first.

These techniques are 737 specific.

For anyone that does not use some type of noise canceling on the flight deck, you are playing with fire. take that from someone who is wearing hearing aides already. its no fun. take care of your hearing.

 

I use the QC-15 UFM system. Only setback is having to put in an ear mold whenever I fly with a Check Airman. Also, if you sit in the right seat you have the cord draped across your chest. Starting to get used to that. I'm thinking after the Bose breaks I'll go Clarity Aloft. I don't like how the Bose messes up my hair :-)

 

Anyone use Clarity Aloft in the legacy jets?