"John Smith" wrote

As far as getting used to communications, try listening to liveatc.net.
You can select ground and clearance facilities, tower facilities,
approach/departure facilities, enroute facilities.

Listening to a tower/ground/clearance delivery near you will acquaint
you with reporting points and how traffic is routed into and out of the
airport.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has a webpage on getting back
into flying after a layoff,

Also, get a good pair of electronic noise reduction headsets. They should
really help your middle aged ears, too. That is what I have found, anyway.

I hear the in the ear headsets are really good, too.
--
Jim in NC