Two and a half years after its introduction, Bose’s A30 full-coverage headset has now completely replaced its predecessor, the A20, in the company’s aviation lineup. AvBrief spoke with Bose’s Chris Wuertl at NBAA 2025 about user response to the A30 and the importance noise-canceling technology has had on the industry as a whole in terms of safety and comfort.
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This is not specifically related to the Bose headset, but seeing an article on ANR headsets is timely. I was just thinking in bed last night that every time I fly I notice much louder tinnitus (ringing in the ears) than normal. It lasts for a couple days after flight. Not saying it is the ANR. But, I wouldn’t think it would be from the high frequency exposure, as that should be reduced from about 90 dB in my Bonanza to 60 dB with the passive blockage of noise. I wonder if there’s inadequate blockage of the high frequencies with the passive component of the headset, or if just having one’s body vibrated by the aircraft somehow does it, but the increased tinnitus after flying is consistent.
I wouldn’t think the ANR, which only works in the low frequency range would cause tinnitus, but you never know.
There seems to be a fair number of pilots reporting this. (https://jetcareers.com/forums/threads/anr-headsets-and-tinnitus.232480/page-2) and other sites like reddit.
Not sure if the tinnitus would be better or worse just using a passive headset…bottom line is I could fly without ANR on and see for myself on an upcoming flight. However, ANR is great, and definitely makes me feel less tired after flying and I
I would tend to suspect it has more to do with the pressure changes and/or headset clamping force than the ANR. I definitely have noticed that a lack of ANR fatigues me much more than when I have ANR turned on.
Passive headsets attenuate sounds, not adding additional sound pressure levels. Proper headset/ear sealing is important. The full spectrum of sound still arrives at your ear, though some higher frequencies are probably diminished. Voice communication seems to be centred around 1500 hz and that is where the most benefit is with passive noise reduction in my honest opinion. I’m sticking with my 13.4’s.
ANR doesn’t add additional sound pressure levels either. In fact, it only further reduces them.