Understanding how aviation headsets noise reduction
Purchasing aviation headsets is a crucial step in protecting your hearing and flying safely, especially in smaller aircraft. Some people simply choose by reputation, buying either a Telex headset or Peltor headset because they are well-known brands popular in the aviation industry, but it is not that simple.
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Both brands produce quality products, but also each offer a variety of headsets that work in different ways and may suit different needs. Choosing the right style and model of aviation headset, you must first understand what the producers talk about when they describe their products work.
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Both Telex and Peltor headsets come in a wide range of styles at different levels of hearing protection. In fact, each offers different types of hearing protection also. The three types are usually referred to as passive noise reduction, Active Noise Reduction and Digital Noise Reduction. Some people refer to noise as “attenuation,” but the conditions are interchangeable.
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Passive Noise Reduction – These are sometimes referred to as NNR headsets, and the least expensive. They use insulation and thick padding to cut down on noise in the cockpit. The earphones are designed for a tight seal around the ears to make. With this, you’ll receive approximately 25 decibels noise reduction. Most of these will be a high frequency noise.
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Active Noise Reduction – Like NNR, active noise reduction (ANR) headsets use insulation to protect hearing. There is also an electronic signal that cancels incoming sound to noise in the low-frequency services. The electronic signal is an audible sound, but a frequency pulse that incoming sound as an opposite message matches. Quality ANR Peltor Headsets up to 30 decibels of noise reduction depending on the brand.
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Digital Noise Reduction – The most expensive option also gives you the most protection because it adds a final level of protection whatsoever ANR. This, electronics monitor the actual environmental sounds and mimic them with contradictory signals to noise cancellation. Telex headsets and most other quality brands also include a filter system that prevents cancellation of the non-repeating sounds, so the wearer will be aware of changes in engine sound that can signal an emergency. Digital noise reduction offers the most protection in the mid-frequency ranges.
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You should know what the decibel level of noise you will regularly be exposed to before shopping for any kind of aviation headset. (Smaller aircraft generally produce more noise than larger craft, and a prop plane will be significantly harder than in the cockpit of a jet airplane) This will guide you in your choice as all Telex headsets and headsets clear the level of protection of decibels provided. L 1
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You will also want the type of microphone you prefer, the fit of the ears and other factors to consider. If you visit airline websites offer you can also download detailed specifications for any number of headsets, including the most popular brands such as Peltor and Telex headsets, so you can compare features side by side to find out what suits your needs.
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Chris is an avid flyer. He loves small planes and enjoys working on his planes. He recommends visiting Skygeek.com for all your aviation needs including telex headsets !
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