Originally Posted by
Global Aviator
Did someone say the flight deck is loud and you have to shout to be heard???
Even at 330kts in a high speed climb or descent it’s not that loud!!!
Protecting ones hearing is certainly numero uno but let’s not be over exaggerating.
When I played in the 320 had my own personal, for comfort and hygiene really.
ANR is certainly good but despite what I’ve seen written here some types of headsets certainly do cut out a little bit to much noise, again despite how they are meant to work. I do find it funny though guys throwing on GA size headsets...
Some things to ponder:
The A320 flight deck, whilst on the ground with A/C packs on, and speakers low, has an ambient noise level of +82db (and higher when there is audio output from the speakers).
Most responsible government medical departments' input to work, health and safety work environs ambient noise level should be less than 80db continuously, and less than 82db for no more than 2 hours.
Whilst in flight, in level cruise at FL350, the cockpit ambient noise (again with speakers on) approaches 86db BEFORE the bells and whistles, and audio from the speakers.
Airbus regularly promulgate SILs (Service Information Letters) pertaining to ATA chapter equipment. SIL 023-005 refers to approved headsets for the Airbus family. The current SIL has been superseded by ISI 23.51.0003 - refers to approved headsets.
To protect what hearing remains, I use Sennheiser ANRs and leave them on for the duration of flight (flight deck preparation through the parking checklist).