Helmet/Ear noise help please???

[Squak7500]

I was issued a brand new Gentex helicopter helmet and I don't find the hearing protection that good.  I fly in the A-stars and I was thinking about getting some type of ANR system installed in my helmet.

 

I've tried using foam earplugs in addition to my helmet and the radios but it doesn't work well.

 

Any advice on an active noise reduction system would be appreciated.  Tell me the pro's/cons.

 

Thanks.

[Gunner]

I just sent my helemt to Joyce Teltronics of Clearwater, FL.  Another forum member, Sneakin' reccomended them to me.  While I haven't gotten it back yet, they have installed the ANR and are sending it to me and I should get it tomorrow.  All this without a credit card...  

 

They said they wanted to send me the helmet and have me try it out to ensure I was happy with the set up before charging me for the upgrade.

 

Now that's customer service...  Now I just need to see how the ANR works!  

 

I'll follow up with a report as soon as I have a chance to test it.

[sneakin]

Gunner....let me know how it work out for you.

::cheers::

[Heloplt]

I have about 3000 of my flying hours using the ANR from Joyce Teletronics. It makes hearing and understanding the radios A LOT easier than without the ANR. You will notice this two ways, the first is just how much clearer the radio is. The second is when you look at the radio volume control and see just how much lower it is from where you used to have to keep it.

There are some down sides however, if you don't have a tight seal between your head and the earcups (especially noticeable if you fly with no doors on the A/C) the ANR is not good. You will be using a 9 volt battery up in about 4-8 flying hours (lasts longer if you fly an A/C with the doors on). Make sure you turn the ANR off when you shut down or you will run thru batteries. It may just be my luck, but the battery usually fails just when the controller is telling me something or the police radio is just in the middle of an important transmission.  

A couple of my partners have gone to the earplug add-on that Joyce teletronics also does. They all like the system (so far) and say that the earplugs really cut down on outside noise. If you primarily fly doors off this may be a better system than the ANR. I have no experience with this earplug system so I really can't speak for it, but I do like the fact that it does not require batteries, so it won't fail at inopportune times.

I will say that the customer service at Joyce Teletronics can't be beat. I have dealt with Chris (727-461-3525) for years and he works on all of our department issued helmets. Gunner's experience is what I've found to be the norm for his company. The ANR is an acquired taste and may not be something that you like, but you can't go wrong with the company doing the work (and no, I'm not getting anything from the company for this). IMHO--as always.

[Gunner]

Just got my Gallet back tonight.  Wow.  So far it sounds great.  Chris Joyce did an excellent job getting this installed and back to me very fast.  And his wife even had a baby last week!  Very, Very impressive customer service.  I really like how Joyce used Oregon Aero soft earcups vs. hard earcups.  We'll see how it performs in the helo this weekend.  

 

I'm sure it will be excellent.  I'll write more once I test it in flight.  

 

Thanks to Sneakin' and Heloplt for the Joyce reccomendations.  I'll be down in your neck of the woods at the end of the month...  would love a tour of your agency's facility  if you have the time!

Andrew

[sneakin]

Gunner.....Glad to hear that Chris is his normal self, always willing to go the extra mile for us.

 I actually had Chris take out my ANR and switched to the earplug system.  Nothing against the ANR ( I LOVED them ), but it was a problem with the comm systerms in our ships.  It would work great in 4 of them but not the 5th due to old radio setup.  Just make sure you have a good ear sear or you will get feedback.  Drop a line when you are in the area and I'll give you the nickel tour.....

Bill