All,
Having used both ANR and CEP, if you're serious about noise attenuation in a helicopter (and don't use a helmet), there is NO comparison. CEP is by far a better solution. Better yet is a helmet with CEP.
The whole point of CEP is that it physically blocks most of the ambient noise using an ear plug whilst allowing you to reduce the volumes on your radios as they are delivered directly to your ears. Also, importantly, it still allows you to effectively pick up on the necessary audio cues required during normal and emergency operations.
In our Company (BHA) a number of guys forked out some big dollars for Bose ANR headsets and largely they have been either disappointed or have found them to be simply unusable. Most of them have (or are about to) switch to CEP as they are demonstrably better.
ANR has its place in FW but for RW (especially the larger, noisier acft) CEP is quieter - no question.
P68
