Survey results from 1500 professional pilots taken in 2008. Bose Aviation X, DC X11, Plantronics "earspike," Sennheiser 45 & 46, Telex 850.
Protect your hearing (both ears) with something! Don't believe flying 40+ years won't effect hearing. Flew 7 years in helos, 18 in fighters, 11 airlines (Boeings). Worst hearing loss was using Plantronics at airlines. Used earplugs + helmet before that and still had hearing loss but not like airlines.
Problem with Plantronics is the db volume of the earpiece is often set to damaging levels. It's not the cockpit noise that causes the most damage but the volume of the earpiece to overcome the cockpit noise, e.g., Boeing cockpits typically run 82-84 db in cruise. Even at the gate, gaspers/cooling fans will generate 80+ db. Extended exposure to 85 db causes hearing damage. Plantronics may be at 90+ db.
P.S. If you wear the Plantronics, wear an earplug in the other ear! It will save your hearing in BOTH ears.
