Headset Misfortunes

[Kyle Boatright]

We've had a string of headset misfortunes.

First, my Lightspeeds started acting up (some sort of ANR problem - more of
an annoyance than anything), so they went back to Lightspeed for a fix.
When they came back, the ANR was working, but the headset volume was so low
the headsets were not usable. In a conversation with Lightspeed, it turns
out that they upgraded my headsets when they were at the shop and the
upgrade (a new battery box with a cell phone adaptor) has a problem with
some intercom installations and gives the symptoms I'm experiencing. So
Lightspeed is sending me a "new" old-style battery box as a replacement.

In the meantime, I was gonna use Kelly's Telex headsets, but those babies
are deader than heck. The little power light on the battery box won't even
power up and the ANR doesn't work at all. So they are headed off to visit
the Telex service center. Their guess is that the circuit board in the
battery box has gone belly up.

So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got when
I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it is
nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
inconvenient times...

[Jay Honeck[_2_]]

> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got
> when I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and
> it is nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die
> at inconvenient times...

The last time I wore non-ANR headsets (last summer), I was stunned at the
level of racket and discomfort. I can't believe I used to fly with those
things!

Yeah, the batteries die at bad times, and older Lightspeeds were built like
1950s Japanese toys (the new ones are bulletproof, in my experience), but I
will never, ever, EVER go back to standard non-ANR headphones...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Bertie the Bunyip[_24_]]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in
news:WUwoj.10499$yE1.2219@attbi_s21:

>> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I
>> got when I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I
>> remembered, and it is nice not having to deal with a battery box and
>> AA batteries that die at inconvenient times...
>
> The last time I wore non-ANR headsets (last summer), I was stunned at
> the level of racket and discomfort. I can't believe I used to fly
> with those things!
>

Wow, you were like a piloneer or something.


Bertie

[NW_Pilot]

Jay Honeck wrote:
> I will never, ever, EVER go back to standard non-ANR
> headphones...

I will second that!!! Lightspeed are great!!

[Kyle Boatright]

"NW_Pilot" > wrote in
message . ..
> Jay Honeck wrote:
>> I will never, ever, EVER go back to standard non-ANR headphones...
>
> I will second that!!! Lightspeed are great!!

You're right, but mine have needed a surprising number of repairs. I'm
thinking three returns to the factory in 7 years plus two or three
replacements of the headset foam cups plus my new opportunity to replace the
battery box myself.

And that's with about 500 hours of use.

Not good, IMO, considering how reliable well built electronics are.

KB

[NW_Pilot]

Kyle Boatright wrote:
>
> "NW_Pilot" > wrote in
> message . ..
>> Jay Honeck wrote:
>>> I will never, ever, EVER go back to standard non-ANR headphones...
>>
>> I will second that!!! Lightspeed are great!!
>
> You're right, but mine have needed a surprising number of repairs. I'm
> thinking three returns to the factory in 7 years plus two or three
> replacements of the headset foam cups plus my new opportunity to replace
> the battery box myself.
>
> And that's with about 500 hours of use.
>
> Not good, IMO, considering how reliable well built electronics are.
>
> KB

I believe they are mad in china I forgot the contract manufacture they are using
but they also make a few other anr headsets and other audio products.

[Jay Honeck[_2_]]

> You're right, but mine have needed a surprising number of repairs. I'm
> thinking three returns to the factory in 7 years plus two or three
> replacements of the headset foam cups plus my new opportunity to replace
> the battery box myself.

Which Lightspeed model do you have, Kyle?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Kyle Boatright]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:_0Qoj.11747$9j6.10484@attbi_s22...
>> You're right, but mine have needed a surprising number of repairs. I'm
>> thinking three returns to the factory in 7 years plus two or three
>> replacements of the headset foam cups plus my new opportunity to replace
>> the battery box myself.
>
> Which Lightspeed model do you have, Kyle?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"


I have a 25XL, which I just converted back to the original battery box
configuration. About a 10 minute task. The only tool requied was a
screwdriver.

Anyone want to buy the new style battery box I just removed? It has an
input for a cell phone or music. It's like new and comes with easy to
follow directions. Lightspeed gets $75 for this upgrade if you send your
headsets back to the factory. Unfortunately, the cell phone interface
causes problems with the occasional intercom system (mine, for instance).
This is a known issue according to the tech support person I spoke with. It
is a function of the unique design Lightspeed used for their interface.
Other headsets with cell/music adapters don't risk this problem.

Make offer to my e-mail address...

KB

[WJRFlyBoy]

On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:

> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got when
> I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it is
> nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
> inconvenient times...

Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
--
Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

[buttman]

On Feb 1, 9:14 pm, WJRFlyBoy > wrote:
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:
> > So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got when
> > I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it is
> > nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
> > inconvenient times...
>
> Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
> --
> Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

it's still a pain in the ass to reach back and get the replacement
headset.

[T. McQuinn]

I use Lightspeed Thirty 3Gs. If the battery dies they seem to only lose
the noise canceling function. Were they to break completely I would
have the cabin speaker and handheld microphone. So for me, batteries -
yes, another headset - not necessarily. (I try very hard to make sure
that every portable device I carry uses AA batteries and I do keep a
supply of them handy.)

Tom

WJRFlyBoy wrote:
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:
>
>
>> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got when
>> I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it is
>> nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
>> inconvenient times...
>>
>
> Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
>

[B A R R Y]

On Fri, 1 Feb 2008 23:14:52 -0500, WJRFlyBoy
> wrote:
>
>Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?

#1 - I keep two batteries in my kneeboard's zipper pocket.

#2 - My headset gives at least 10 hours of warning for battery
replacement. The first time I get the warning at startup, I go to #1.

#3 - Good ANR sets have auto shutoffs, so you don't arrive to the
cockpit with dead batteries.

#4 - I have three AA flashlights in my flight bag.

#5 - Most FBO's sell AA batteries. If not, a mini-mart next to the
airport does.

Seeing a pattern? <G>

[Jay Honeck[_2_]]

>> Which Lightspeed model do you have, Kyle?
>
> I have a 25XL, which I just converted back to the original battery box

There's your problem, Kyle. Anything before the current "3G" models were
built of flimsy(er) materials and seemed to break at the drop of a hat.

I should know -- I've owned a pair of each model of Lightspeeds, from the
early 15s on up. ALL of them were sent back for repairs, some multiple
times, until the 3G models.

I now have four pair of Twenty 3Gs, and they have been absolutely
bulletproof over the past two years. I highly recommend them, and am really
looking forward to checking out their new Zulu model...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Thomas Borchert]

John,

> No. Just buy yourself one David Clark passive headset and you will
> probably never have to worry about them breaking and sending them back
> to be repaired, or replacing batteries.
>

You WILL have to worry about your hearing and your constant headache,
though. We're discussing non-problems here. Modern ANR headsets are to
"classic" DC style headsets what a feather pillow is to a nailbed. It
really IS that simple.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[T. McQuinn]

John Smith wrote:
> <snip>
>
> Out of couriosity, how many of you Lightspeed owners replace your
> earseals as frequently as Lightspeed recommends?
>
Now you're going to make me look up their recommendation...........

Anybody ever hook up an MP3 player to their Thirty 3-Gs to mow the
grass? (I'm only accepting moderate amounts of mockery and derision on
this. You can't really see my yard from the street......) I thought
the ANR worked fantastically but they are just too expensive to wear out
on a task like that!

[Kyle Boatright]

"WJRFlyBoy" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:
>
>> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got
>> when
>> I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it
>> is
>> nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
>> inconvenient times...
>
> Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
> --
> Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

Nope. ANR headsets still work with dead batteries. The ANR function is the
only thing you lose. With backup stuff, what do you really consider
necessary? I don't carry a spare GPS, a spare map, or a spare set of
headsets. Nor do I carry a handheld radio. My belief is that is any one of
the primary devices dies, I'll be able to safely complete my flight without
it.

KB

[[email protected]]

On Feb 2, 7:14*pm, John Smith > wrote:
> Out of couriosity, how many of you Lightspeed owners replace your
> earseals as frequently as Lightspeed recommends?

I don't recall seeing any earseal replacement recommendation from
Lighspeed. One of our LS Twenty 3G earseal kept falling off last
summer after about 3 years of heavy use. We called LS customer and
they shipped us a replacement pair completely free of charge. It was
a very easy replacement.

Hai Longworth

[Ron Lee[_2_]]

John Smith > wrote:

>Thomas you are being much to harsh in your criticism of passive headsets.
>When the batteries go out and its dark in the cockpit, you no longer
>have an active headset as you fumble around to find the replace
>batteries and install them and its passive attenuation is worse than any
>DC.
>
>Out of couriosity, how many of you Lightspeed owners replace your
>earseals as frequently as Lightspeed recommends?

Jeez folks. With rechargeable batteries you can install fresh ones
before every flight. Dark in the cockpit? No overhead lights? No
flashlight? No easy to access batteries when you know you are flying
at night (I don't).

Ron Lee

[WJRFlyBoy]

On Sat, 02 Feb 2008 07:45:05 -0500, B A R R Y wrote:

> On Fri, 1 Feb 2008 23:14:52 -0500, WJRFlyBoy
> > wrote:
>>
>>Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
>
> #1 - I keep two batteries in my kneeboard's zipper pocket.
>
> #2 - My headset gives at least 10 hours of warning for battery
> replacement. The first time I get the warning at startup, I go to #1.
>
> #3 - Good ANR sets have auto shutoffs, so you don't arrive to the
> cockpit with dead batteries.
>
> #4 - I have three AA flashlights in my flight bag.
>
> #5 - Most FBO's sell AA batteries. If not, a mini-mart next to the
> airport does.
>
> Seeing a pattern? <G>

Sure do.

You own a battery factory lol
--
Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

[WJRFlyBoy]

On Sat, 2 Feb 2008 20:00:46 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:

> "WJRFlyBoy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:
>>
>>> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got
>>> when
>>> I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it
>>> is
>>> nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
>>> inconvenient times...
>>
>> Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
>> --
>> Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!
>
> Nope. ANR headsets still work with dead batteries. The ANR function is the
> only thing you lose. With backup stuff, what do you really consider
> necessary? I don't carry a spare GPS, a spare map, or a spare set of
> headsets. Nor do I carry a handheld radio. My belief is that is any one of
> the primary devices dies, I'll be able to safely complete my flight without
> it.
>
> KB

Is this subject to a certain level of experience/expertise or would you
expect that of nearly anyone who is private licensed?
--
Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

[WJRFlyBoy]

On Sat, 02 Feb 2008 07:41:13 -0500, T. McQuinn wrote:

> I use Lightspeed Thirty 3Gs. If the battery dies they seem to only lose
> the noise canceling function. Were they to break completely I would
> have the cabin speaker and handheld microphone. So for me, batteries -
> yes, another headset - not necessarily. (I try very hard to make sure
> that every portable device I carry uses AA batteries and I do keep a
> supply of them handy.)
>
> Tom

Thanks.
--
Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!

[Thomas Borchert]

John,

> When the batteries go out and its dark in the cockpit, you no longer
> have an active headset

How is cabin lighting connected to the batteries in my headset? <g>
In the extremely rare case of my missing the battery warning light for two
or more hours, I would have a passive headset. So what?

>and its passive attenuation is worse than any
> DC.

For that extremely brief moment until new batteries are in, it may be
(although I have doubts). Would I endure brand C for the whole flight on
all flights because of that? No way! Let's face it: The "traditional"
headset makers have largely missed out on the huge leaps of innovation
their competition has made with regard to noise reduction,
comfort/ergonomics and features since DCs were first introduced well over
40 or so years ago. And that manufacturer specifically still tries to
charge a quite hefty premium for a reputation made back then.

I am harsh on passives, yes. I can't see how anyone who has experienced a
good ANR headset wouldn't be.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

T.,

> Anybody ever hook up an MP3 player to their Thirty 3-Gs to mow the
> grass?
>

Regularly. How about wearing them in the cabin of an airliner to watch
the movie?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

WJRFlyBoy,

> Is this subject to a certain level of experience/expertise or would you
> expect that of nearly anyone who is private licensed?
>

Definitely the latter.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

John,

One more point: There is, of course, a very good reason to get a
passive. That's money. ANR headsets are expensive and not everybody can
afford them or is willing to spend that kind of money on a headset. Or
they aren't that bothered by noise.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Neil Gould]

Recently, Thomas Borchert > posted:

> John,
>
>> No. Just buy yourself one David Clark passive headset and you will
>> probably never have to worry about them breaking and sending them
>> back to be repaired, or replacing batteries.
>>
>
> You WILL have to worry about your hearing and your constant headache,
> though. We're discussing non-problems here. Modern ANR headsets are to
> "classic" DC style headsets what a feather pillow is to a nailbed. It
> really IS that simple.
>
If playing rock & roll for almost 50 years hasn't killed my hearing
already, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to suffer auditory damage
from my non-ANR David Clarks. In fact, when wearing them the SPL is
significantly lower than driving in our MGC-GT, which is so noisy there
was no point in having a radio. ;-)

--
Neil

[B A R R Y]

On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:40:28 GMT, "Neil Gould"
> wrote:

>If playing rock & roll for almost 50 years hasn't killed my hearing
>already, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to suffer auditory damage
>from my non-ANR David Clarks. In fact, when wearing them the SPL is
>significantly lower than driving in our MGC-GT, which is so noisy there
>was no point in having a radio. ;-)

A long time sound mixer asks, do you get regular, objective hearing
tests? I've worked with lots of guys who subjectively state they have
"no hearing damage".

Hearing damage is cumulative, it all adds up.

Each thing you can do, such as wearing earplugs in the MGC or while
mowing the lawn, or using the best protection you can in a cockpit,
counts in the final tally. Hearing hazards are time based. Longer
exposure to lower levels of sound, some of which may not seem all that
loud or bothersome, can do as much damage as a short period in much
louder conditions.

I own very nice passive David Clarks, and a good ANR set. With the
ANR set the volume of the radios is much lower (in my ear, not based
on the knob) than the passive set, yet I can still clearly hear ATIS
info and nav station identifiers from the overhead speaker.

[B A R R Y]

On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:24:15 +0100, Thomas Borchert
> wrote:

>WJRFlyBoy,
>
>> Is this subject to a certain level of experience/expertise or would you
>> expect that of nearly anyone who is private licensed?
>>
>
>Definitely the latter.

We all should expect the same. Always have a backup plan...

[Bertie the Bunyip[_24_]]

B A R R Y > wrote in
:

> On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:40:28 GMT, "Neil Gould"
> > wrote:
>
>>If playing rock & roll for almost 50 years hasn't killed my hearing
>>already, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to suffer auditory damage
>>from my non-ANR David Clarks. In fact, when wearing them the SPL is
>>significantly lower than driving in our MGC-GT, which is so noisy there
>>was no point in having a radio. ;-)
>
> A long time sound mixer asks, do you get regular, objective hearing
> tests? I've worked with lots of guys who subjectively state they have
> "no hearing damage".
>
> Hearing damage is cumulative, it all adds up.

WHAT?

Bertie

[B A R R Y]

On Sun, 3 Feb 2008 14:17:12 +0000 (UTC), Bertie the Bunyip >
wrote:

>
>WHAT?
>
>Bertie

Egg-zactly!

[Neil Gould]

Recently, B A R R Y > posted:

> On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:40:28 GMT, "Neil Gould"
> > wrote:
>
>> If playing rock & roll for almost 50 years hasn't killed my hearing
>> already, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to suffer auditory
>> damage from my non-ANR David Clarks. In fact, when wearing them the
>> SPL is significantly lower than driving in our MGC-GT, which is so
>> noisy there was no point in having a radio. ;-)
>
> A long time sound mixer asks, do you get regular, objective hearing
> tests? I've worked with lots of guys who subjectively state they have
> "no hearing damage".
>
A long time sound recorder (owned two studios, still do recording though
retired from the studio business) answers, "yes", though I have the
equipment and am capable of more precise measurements than those in the
typical audiology exam. Although I have enough age-related "roll-off" in
the high frequencies that the ultrasonic alarm systems in department
stores no longer cause me to walk away holding my head in pain, I can
still hear the carrier frequency oscillation in analog TVs over my
tinitis. ;-)

> Hearing hazards are time based. Longer
> exposure to lower levels of sound, some of which may not seem all that
> loud or bothersome, can do as much damage as a short period in much
> louder conditions.
>
Another aspect is that the ambient level of sound in the city has been
steadily increasing to the point where it's noisier at night today than it
was when this area had an industrial base. Also, the MGC is a lot quieter
than the typical motorcycle or semi. All these things are relative, and
the time spent in the air (much less than I'd like) is vastly outweighed
by these other elements. So, I think I'll be able to ride it out 'til the
"final tally"! ;-)

Neil

[Bertie the Bunyip[_24_]]

B A R R Y > wrote in
:

> On Sun, 3 Feb 2008 14:17:12 +0000 (UTC), Bertie the Bunyip >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>WHAT?
>>
>>Bertie
>
> Egg-zactly!

Stop mumbling.



Bertie

[LWG]

I have 4 Lightspeeds, 1 20XL, 1 15 XL and 2 QFR's for the rear pax. I've
had them about 6 years. There was one cracked earcup "horseshoe" and a
cracked headband. Replacement parts were shipped very promptly, and repairs
were simple. I have been very pleased with all my LS products. I can't
blame LS for either of the problems, as the headsets seem to get tossed
around or wind up on the floor after use. My non-aviation passengers tend
to be less than careful about most everything. Just last week a girl pretty
much insisted on walking on the wing in (very nice) spike heels, despite the
wingwalk area which has to be 18" wide. I told her she could put a hole in
the wing if that happened again. Luckily there was no dimpling, even though
she was shapely but by no means petite. Thank God for Walter Beech...

"Kyle Boatright" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "NW_Pilot" > wrote in
> message . ..
>> Jay Honeck wrote:
>>> I will never, ever, EVER go back to standard non-ANR headphones...
>>
>> I will second that!!! Lightspeed are great!!
>
> You're right, but mine have needed a surprising number of repairs. I'm
> thinking three returns to the factory in 7 years plus two or three
> replacements of the headset foam cups plus my new opportunity to replace
> the battery box myself.
>
> And that's with about 500 hours of use.
>
> Not good, IMO, considering how reliable well built electronics are.
>
> KB

[Ron Wanttaja]

On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:22:00 -0500, John Smith > wrote:

> In article >,
> Thomas Borchert > wrote:
>
> > John,
> > One more point: There is, of course, a very good reason to get a
> > passive. That's money. ANR headsets are expensive and not everybody can
> > afford them or is willing to spend that kind of money on a headset. Or
> > they aren't that bothered by noise.
>
> As much as I would like to try out an ANR headset, I have six pairs of
> DC headsets I have accumulated over the past 28 years. One of the planes
> I fly is a Cherokee Six, so I need all six headsets. The most I paid for
> any one of the six headsets was $225 new.
> The cost to replace all six is $3000 to $6000, depending upon brand.

Try foam earplugs under your standard headsets. Doesn't cut down on the
radio/intercom volumes much, but makes a big difference in noise levels. When I
wear them in my open-cockpit airplane under my ANR headset, I can't tell if the
ANR is on or off.

Ron Wanttaja

[Thomas Borchert]

John,

> As much as I would like to try out an ANR headset, I have six pairs of
> DC headsets I have accumulated over the past 28 years. One of the planes
> I fly is a Cherokee Six, so I need all six headsets. The most I paid for
> any one of the six headsets was $225 new.
> The cost to replace all six is $3000 to $6000, depending upon brand.

Well, here's my advice: Don't ever try ANR ;-)

OTOH, kind of hard to advocate against it or make comparative judgements,
when you haven't even tried it...

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[B A R R Y]

On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:19:08 +0100, Thomas Borchert
> wrote:

>John,
>
>> As much as I would like to try out an ANR headset, I have six pairs of
>> DC headsets I have accumulated over the past 28 years. One of the planes
>> I fly is a Cherokee Six, so I need all six headsets. The most I paid for
>> any one of the six headsets was $225 new.
>> The cost to replace all six is $3000 to $6000, depending upon brand.
>
>Well, here's my advice: Don't ever try ANR ;-)
>
>OTOH, kind of hard to advocate against it or make comparative judgements,
>when you haven't even tried it...


He only needs ONE ANR set. <G>

Other pilots will bring their own, pax can't tell...

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

On Sun, 3 Feb 2008 15:41:52 +0000 (UTC), Bertie the Bunyip >
wrote:

>
>Stop mumbling.

<click - megaphone ON>

EXACTLY!!!

<click - megaphone OFF>

You're too funny...

Email me direct if you ever get Northeast layovers. I'll buy dinner.

---------------------------------------------
** http://www.bburke.com/woodworking.html **
---------------------------------------------

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Bertie the Bunyip" > wrot

> WHAT?

Exzactery!

I have abused my hearing, over a lifetime, mainly by playing in loud music
groups, and exposure to power tools.

Do I regret not taking precautions? You bet. Can I do anything about it
now? Not a thing.

My wife has put down the verdict that I HAVE to get hearing aids, and the
sooner the better.

Anyone got any preferences? Digital or not? Brand names? Behind the ear
or in the ear?

I have (I believe, but not tested) overall hearing loss, with more in the
higher frequency ranges. A TON of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that
probably is the majority of my problem. I need to drown out the ringing,
with amplified voices, I believe.
--
Jim in NC

[Bertie the Bunyip[_24_]]

"Morgans" > wrote in
:

>
> "Bertie the Bunyip" > wrot
>
>> WHAT?
>
> Exzactery!
>
> I have abused my hearing, over a lifetime, mainly by playing in loud
> music groups, and exposure to power tools.
>
> Do I regret not taking precautions? You bet. Can I do anything about
> it now? Not a thing.
>

Yeah,. flew a lot of loud airplanes as a kid and I have some loss as wel,
but I'm still legal at the moment.


>
> Anyone got any preferences? Digital or not? Brand names? Behind the
> ear or in the ear?

They all seem to work OK. I just hate the ones that hurt when you have them
on for any length. I use a Sennheiser at work at it's as good as anything
else I've used.


Bertie

[Dave G]

Not all...

The DC XII work OK when the ANR quits..

But I have the BOSE..and when the ANR quits you might as well toss
them in the back seat.. they are useless..

Well.. I suppose... the mike still works...

Dave



On Sat, 2 Feb 2008 20:00:46 -0500, "Kyle Boatright"
> wrote:

>
>"WJRFlyBoy" > wrote in message
...
>> On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:33:23 -0500, Kyle Boatright wrote:
>>
>>> So, I'm stuck using the 'ol reliable $89 David Clark knock-off's I got
>>> when
>>> I earned my license. They are not nearly as bad as I remembered, and it
>>> is
>>> nice not having to deal with a battery box and AA batteries that die at
>>> inconvenient times...
>>
>> Newbie question, is not carrying backup headsets and batteries a given?
>> --
>> Remove numbers for gmail and for God's sake it ain't "gee" either!
>
>Nope. ANR headsets still work with dead batteries. The ANR function is the
>only thing you lose. With backup stuff, what do you really consider
>necessary? I don't carry a spare GPS, a spare map, or a spare set of
>headsets. Nor do I carry a handheld radio. My belief is that is any one of
>the primary devices dies, I'll be able to safely complete my flight without
>it.
>
>KB

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Bertie the Bunyip" > wrote

> They all seem to work OK. I just hate the ones that hurt when you have
> them
> on for any length. I use a Sennheiser at work at it's as good as anything
> else I've used.

Sennheiser makes hearing aids?

Oh, also, does anyone have hearing aids that will not squeal with headsets
on, or do you just turn up the volume on the headset, and take the hearing
aids out or turn them off?
--
Jim in NC

[Bertie the Bunyip[_24_]]

"Morgans" > wrote in
:

>
> "Bertie the Bunyip" > wrote
>
>> They all seem to work OK. I just hate the ones that hurt when you
>> have them
>> on for any length. I use a Sennheiser at work at it's as good as
>> anything else I've used.
>
> Sennheiser makes hearing aids?
>
> Oh, also, does anyone have hearing aids that will not squeal with
> headsets on, or do you just turn up the volume on the headset, and
> take the hearing aids out or turn them off?


No idea. I did ask the ME if they were legal for class ones and he assured
me they were. I don't need one yet, bu tthere may come a time.


Bertie

[T. McQuinn]

Morgans wrote:
> "Bertie the Bunyip" > wrote
>
>
>> They all seem to work OK. I just hate the ones that hurt when you have
>> them
>> on for any length. I use a Sennheiser at work at it's as good as anything
>> else I've used.
>>
>
> Sennheiser makes hearing aids?
>
> Oh, also, does anyone have hearing aids that will not squeal with headsets
> on, or do you just turn up the volume on the headset, and take the hearing
> aids out or turn them off?
>
My youngest is hearing impaired and wears behind the ear hearing aids.
We originally intended to have him turn off the aids, crank up the
intercom, and then turn down the volume on the other headsets. It
turned out that he did not require more volume than the rest of us and
does nothing more that turn off the aids. And his impairment is fairly
serious. With luck the same may work for you!

Tom

[Morgans[_2_]]

"T. McQuinn" > wrote

> My youngest is hearing impaired and wears behind the ear hearing aids.
> We originally intended to have him turn off the aids, crank up the
> intercom, and then turn down the volume on the other headsets. It turned
> out that he did not require more volume than the rest of us and does
> nothing more that turn off the aids. And his impairment is fairly
> serious. With luck the same may work for you!

Hopefully.

I had someone tell me that the behind the ear type work much better than the
in the ear type. I have to admit that I have a hard time understanding that
being possible. Also, I am concerned that they will fit nicely inside all
the different brands of ear cups.

All that aside, I really do want the best performance for everyday life.
I'm very tired of always asking, "what?" and everyone around me is tired of
repeating everything. I have found that I have become a lip reader, in
part, and have even more problems when the speaker is not facing me.

Does anyone care to offer any of their observations on what works for them,
and particularly help solve the "in the ear-behind the ear" debate?

Partially, this has all been driven home by the fact that I became a
grandfather this weekend. I swear, I'm too young to be a grandfather, but I
guess my daughter didn't feel that I was! I guess at 27, it was time for
her to start her family, and with a great guy, too. I am blessed.

It was a real life changing experience. Both my kids are my adopted step
children, and although they were very young when their biological father
died and I adopted them, I had never gotten to experience the whole
childbirth thing. My daughter was gracious enough to grant my request to be
involved in the delivery, and all I can say is WoW! How can anyone not be
substantially affected by such an experience!

I still am walking on cloud nine, and everyone is doing great!
--
Jim in NC

[RST Engineering]

What are they mad about?

Jim



>
> I believe they are mad in china

[Gig 601XL Builder[_2_]]

Being Chinese?


> What are they mad about?
>
>
>> I believe they are mad in china
>
>

[GeorgeB]

On Mon, 4 Feb 2008 14:05:47 -0500, "Morgans"
> wrote:

>I had someone tell me that the behind the ear type work much better than the
>in the ear type. I have to admit that I have a hard time understanding that
>being possible. Also, I am concerned that they will fit nicely inside all
>the different brands of ear cups.
>
>All that aside, I really do want the best performance for everyday life.
>I'm very tired of always asking, "what?" and everyone around me is tired of
>repeating everything. I have found that I have become a lip reader, in
>part, and have even more problems when the speaker is not facing me.
>
>Does anyone care to offer any of their observations on what works for them,
>and particularly help solve the "in the ear-behind the ear" debate?

Technology has improved in most things, and hearing aids are not left
out.

I am not a pilot, but used to fly with a good friend a LOT. I have my
own headset, Lightspeed 20G. I wear BTE aids. To answer your
questions separately ... BTE and headsets don't get along very well;
the padding sits on the microphones. I tried his Bose and they were
equally a problem. BUT, the audio band in an aircraft transceiver
seemed to be tailored to my loss; I took the aids out and turned the
level up a little on the 20G's. No problem. YMMV

BTE vs ITE vs IC vs CIC ... you'll see all those terms as you shop.
For serious loss, the BTE is significantly better; it can handle more
amplification without feedback. Electric cells are larger and offer
greater energy storage ... longer life (I wear mine probalby 8 hours a
day and change them every 2-3 weeks). The BTE also have more bells
and whistles available ... 2 or 3 microphones. I was told they are
more robust, but don't know that to be true.

The newest things are how the sound gets to the ear with a BTE. As I
understand it, the transducer (loudspeaker) in many is in the ear with
some. I'm told this solves many problems. (Ear wax clogs things)

Many people I've spoken with have had premium aids, some have tried
the cheap ones ... most with premium are happy, most with cheap are
not. I was in Costco and got in a conversation with the very sharp
audiologist; they have what seem like very good prices on upper end
products.

Note that insurance does not pay for them in most cases. If you have
some sort of pre-tax medical withholding, that can. I bumped mine up
for the year I bought them, so saved perhaps a third, fed and state
taxes combined.

>I still am walking on cloud nine, and everyone is doing great!

Glad for you, her, and your grandchild!

[Jay Honeck[_2_]]

> I still am walking on cloud nine, and everyone is doing great!

Congrats, Jim!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Tina]

Jim, if you're a member, check out Costco's hearing aid department. I
have several friends and one husband who did a lot of shopping, and
found significant savings there, with both in the ear and behind the
ear styles. In the ear seems better if you wear glasses, but either
will help a lot. Digital seem to be worth the price. The price is
high, about $3100 the pair at Costco, twice that elsewhere.


On Feb 3, 8:00 pm, "Morgans" > wrote:
> "Bertie the Bunyip" > wrot
>
> > WHAT?
>
> Exzactery!
>
> I have abused my hearing, over a lifetime, mainly by playing in loud music
> groups, and exposure to power tools.
>
> Do I regret not taking precautions? You bet. Can I do anything about it
> now? Not a thing.
>
> My wife has put down the verdict that I HAVE to get hearing aids, and the
> sooner the better.
>
> Anyone got any preferences? Digital or not? Brand names? Behind the ear
> or in the ear?
>
> I have (I believe, but not tested) overall hearing loss, with more in the
> higher frequency ranges. A TON of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that
> probably is the majority of my problem. I need to drown out the ringing,
> with amplified voices, I believe.
> --
> Jim in NC

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Tina" > wrote

> Jim, if you're a member, check out Costco's hearing aid department. I
> have several friends and one husband who did a lot of shopping, and
> found significant savings there, with both in the ear and behind the
> ear styles. In the ear seems better if you wear glasses, but either
> will help a lot. Digital seem to be worth the price. The price is
> high, about $3100 the pair at Costco, twice that elsewhere.

Unfortunately, no Costco in the area.
--
Jim in NC

[Ross]

Morgans wrote:
> "T. McQuinn" > wrote
>
>
>> My youngest is hearing impaired and wears behind the ear hearing aids.
>>We originally intended to have him turn off the aids, crank up the
>>intercom, and then turn down the volume on the other headsets. It turned
>>out that he did not require more volume than the rest of us and does
>>nothing more that turn off the aids. And his impairment is fairly
>>serious. With luck the same may work for you!
>
>
> Hopefully.
>
> I had someone tell me that the behind the ear type work much better than the
> in the ear type. I have to admit that I have a hard time understanding that
> being possible. Also, I am concerned that they will fit nicely inside all
> the different brands of ear cups.
>
> All that aside, I really do want the best performance for everyday life.
> I'm very tired of always asking, "what?" and everyone around me is tired of
> repeating everything. I have found that I have become a lip reader, in
> part, and have even more problems when the speaker is not facing me.
>
> Does anyone care to offer any of their observations on what works for them,
> and particularly help solve the "in the ear-behind the ear" debate?
>
> Partially, this has all been driven home by the fact that I became a
> grandfather this weekend. I swear, I'm too young to be a grandfather, but I
> guess my daughter didn't feel that I was! I guess at 27, it was time for
> her to start her family, and with a great guy, too. I am blessed.
>
> It was a real life changing experience. Both my kids are my adopted step
> children, and although they were very young when their biological father
> died and I adopted them, I had never gotten to experience the whole
> childbirth thing. My daughter was gracious enough to grant my request to be
> involved in the delivery, and all I can say is WoW! How can anyone not be
> substantially affected by such an experience!
>
> I still am walking on cloud nine, and everyone is doing great!

Congratulations! Grandkids are fun. If I had know how much, I would have
had them first.

I am no expert, but my wife worked for a ENT for 18 years as a RN. She
made comments that the behind the ear aids were better. However, I would
suggest you get with your ENT and discuss your lifestyle and what is
best for you. Because,,,, you want to hear your grandkids say "Grandpa
Jim, please take me flying." That's what my grandson says.

--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI