Do earplugs and headsets mix?

[ILS27R]

Just wondering whether wearing earplugs with a normal DC headset would allow you to hear ATC but cut down on engine noise- similar effect to ANR but without the cost? I’m asking this as I have seen Formula 1 drivers wearing what looks to be earplugs under their helmets- which similarly contain a headset of some sort. Has anyone tried this out and how successful is it? . .. .cheers, . .. .ILS27R

[lekkerste]

My AME advised me to do this when I used to fly a very noisy old turboprop. Obviously you have to turn the volume on the radios up, but it worked very well. I could even hear the other pilot talk with no problem and the 'bad' noise was well blocked out. I used E.A.R. plugs, they're the best I've tried.

[ILS27R]

Thanks lekkerste for your reply. Do you know where I could buy some E.A.R. plugs in the UK. Would a chemist shop be the best bet??. .. .cheers,. .. .ILS27R

[Pointer]

EAR plugs (the yellow versions) are good if you don't fly lets say 5 days a week and for 4 to 7 hours a day. I've been using elacin earplugs type ER15. for about 3 years. Very good things and comfortable. a bit pricy but they last very long and its your hearing so what should that cost you?. .. .try <a href="http://www.hearingcare.co.uk/Elacin/ER15" target="_blank">Elacin earplugs</a> . .. .Things to think about when getting these is that the filter should be flush with the earpiece. tel the guy/girl whom is fitting those for you.. .. .Good luck . .Pointer. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[airtight]

I've been flying metroliners for years, using those spongy ear plugs with David Clarks. Works perfectly without any problems. Metro's are noisy as all hell but this method is as good as any noise cancelling equipement and costs nix. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

[lekkerste]

ILS27R, I'm not sure where you'd get them from now; I used to be given them free by the airport operator where I was based. Try a drug store or, failing that a Google search.

[Welle]

hi 27R. .. .i am using those earplugs for over one year now and i can fully recommend them.. .. .you can by them at a specialiced hearing aid shop. there the plugs are made by a wax-copy of your inner ear. they have a metall stick inside which only delivers the frequency of human voice to your inner ear. after some time of accomaodation you will find them quite comfortable to wear.. .. .the price should be around EUR 100,-. .. .happy landings. .welle

[redsnail]

Try chemists and hardware stores.

[Firestorm]

or motorbike accessory shops (bikers use them too), or shooting shops, or if you see a Snap-On tools van around the place they might have them. Where else...? Oh yes, HSS (plant hire shops), or just raid the engineers shack on the ramp.. .. .I used them under DCs whilst flying Islanders and Twin Otters. It was recomended by the AME in Bedford - Doc Sowerby, quite a character. They worked very well. They help keep your ears clean too.

[ILS27R]

Thanks for all your replies. I will try the cheapy ones as found in chemists etc. Never thought about looking in bike shops nor hardware stores. . .. .Cheers for your help,. .. .ILS27R.