Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2011-2012 - 40

HEADSET CHOICES
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listens to the sounds in a cockpit—or anywhere else—and then computes a sine wave essentially opposite . The result eliminates much of the background noise—the exact amount eliminated depends on how the headset’s circuitry is designed, among other factors . In any event, the wearer hears the background noise, but its energy is greatly reduced, helping enhance transitory sounds like the landing gear coming down . The ANR headsets on today’s market are the “over-the-ear” type, meaning they are built with large, cushioned earcups fitting over and around the ear . Like non-ANR—or passive—headsets, the earcups contain small speakers reproducing audio from the radios and the intercom while producing the signal opposing background noise and quieting the sound energy reaching your eardrums . The only real drawbacks to an ANR headset is they usually are more expensive than their passive counterparts and require an energy source—either batteries or a connection to ship’s power—to operate .

PASSIVE HEADSETS
As the name implies, a passive headset lacks active noise reduction . Instead, it relies on acoustic materials and an airtight fit to reduce the noise reaching the wearer’s ears . As noted above, some of these headsets can be too tight—they often clamp snugly onto the wearer’s head and can grow uncomfortable on longer flights . Without that tightness, more noise can seep in . As a rule, however, they do everything else rather well, including faithful reproduction of ATC and intercom audio . Like their ANR counterparts, they usually come with high-quality microphones, facilitating intra-cockpit communications and helping ensure ATC can hear you . Passive headsets are relatively inexpensive, at least when compared to a similar ANR model . They make good choices for pilots seeking a bargain or students unsure of whether they want to invest in a more-expensive version before completing their training . They also can be a good choice for passengers, especially on short trips, when the pilot reserves the ANR headset .

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LIGHTWEIGHT MODELS
After seeing a sharp downturn in popularity with the advent of ANR headsets, lightweight or “in-the-ear” headsets are growing more popular . Instead of a pair of earcups, these headsets use at least one earpiece inserted into the outer ear canal, with a microphone boom extending close to the mouth . Some use an over-the-ear loop—similar to a cellphone headset—while others employ a headband over or behind the head to position the headset when in use . Electronics are built into the microphone boom or a smaller enclosure on the headband . Instead of ANR technology, these lightweight headsets depend on acoustic materials in the earpiece(s) and completely fill the ear canal’s opening to keep unwanted noise to a minimum . The lightweight headset’s major advantage is comfort, especially for those who find it difficult or impossible to wear an earcup-equipped headset . They also are more popular in quieter aircraft, like jets and some turboprops .
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2011-2012

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