natedog74
Occupational Health & Safety studies have proven that ambient noise level (ie: a combination of everything) on the flight deck of most if not all large (jet) transports is enough to cause permanent hearing loss- over many thousands of hours. We are not talking about astronomically high noise levels here, but we are talking long time frames.
Sure, there are far noiser workplaces, but the fact remains.
As a result, many airlines are moving to noise cancelling headsets- various brands, with a recommendation/requirement to wear them ears covered in cruise. Most I think (including ours) wear them one ear ie: inboard ear uncovered during approach/ departure phases of flight to make communication easier.
Some pilots hate'em- I like them now I'm used to them.
By the way, we are talking lightweight "Active Noise Cancelling" NOT the bulky passive ones I wore many moons ago in turbo-props(back in the 70's).
Hope this helps