Ear Plugs and Hearing Protection

[CPF]

Can anyone recommend a decent brand/manufacturer of ear plugs? Or suggest a good alternative?

Possibly ones that cut out high frequency sound while allowing lower frequencies to be heard (so you don't have to have your headset cranked all the way up)?

At present I wear foam earplugs under my headset. Not ideal but some comfort from a C30 screaming at you with your head out the door.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks.

[hueyracer]

We have a "franchise"-acustic device manufacturer in Germany, called "Kind".

They mainly produce individual hearing devices, but are able to make you some nice ear plugs, too..


I paid app. 200 Euro for mine....and they fit like nothing else.

They use gel to get a negative from your ear, then it takes a week (or so) to get them done.
You can change the "silencer" inside the plugs yourself...

I like them, because they take away a lot of noise-but i am still able to hear the engine (and other "noise") around very clearly....

[g-mady]

Try ACS, acoustic solutions. They cut out all the high frequency noise and allow you to easily hear ATC.
I believe they are supplied to all new pilots for CHC (not in Europe though)...

ACS Hearing Protection (http://www.acscustom.com/uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=44)

[John Eacott]

Can anyone recommend a decent brand/manufacturer of ear plugs? Or suggest a good alternative?

Possibly ones that cut out high frequency sound while allowing lower frequencies to be heard (so you don't have to have your headset cranked all the way up)?

Any good musicians ear plug will do what you want, preferably with a 15db filter. Custom made for your ears, they cost (in Aust) about $A300 and should last about 6 years depending on the amount of use they get. The filter is equal across the frequency spectrum, so they will lower all sounds such that clarity of mid range (radio, intercom, etc) is enhanced as it is generally the 'loudest'.

I used them when flying a lot before ANC came around, now I use CEP for flying, but I still use them (the filters) when riding on my motorbike ;)

[CPF]

Thanks lads - that put me on the right track. Looking into it they're exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of.

[marcbisbal]

Hi everyone,

I'm using cheap earplugs and I would like to buy something better, what kind are you using? My coworkers use different types, any specific recommendation?

Flying KA32 btw, really noisy and a lot vibrations.

Thanks fellows.

[Nubian]

Get yourself a CEP-kit and go to a hearing-aid specialist to get a pair of silicone plugs made for your ear. Fit the CEP into those plugs and Bob's your uncle...

[carsickpuppy]

http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac158/skinnia_tibia/215784.jpg

This brand is cheap, comfortable and very effective. I've never used them with my headset, but they should fit just fine. Look in your local hardware/DIY store.

[Nubian]

Ed,

The CEP kit is easy to install. You need a soldering iron for 1 connection, screws for the rest of the connections. If you're a bit handy, it'll take you about 30 mins including the measurements, drilling and fitting.


Plug and play...

[Evil Twin]

Agree with Nubian on the above. I've done dozens of CEP installs at work for the other guys. Usually traded for Guinness.

Soldering iron, cordless drill and a bit of nouse are all you need.

ET

[fly911]

http://site.earplugstore.com/Making_Your_Impressions.pdf

[spinner79]

I am flying different airframes of aw139, with different types of roof soundproofing. Especially on the thin soundproofing models, the sound is unbearable on the left seat especially, not as bad on right side.
Wearing only Bose a20, I tried to experiment with normal foam earplugs, to me it seems like they destroyed the anr function of the a20, and actually was more noisy than without,
then I purchased from amazon, "Design Go quiet Zone Earplugs" as a test, I found that with the white filter inserted, it actually helped a lot.
And it didn't require to increase the volume in the intercom much.

So Now I use these earplugs, when flying the airframes with the less effective soundproofing and I am happy with it.

Hopefully this might help someone else too :ok: