Noise Attenuation
The headset's basic job is to reduce (i.e., attenuate) harmful noise, and that ability is measured in both frequency range and number of decibels (dB). A headset rated at minus-24 dB at 100 Hz means it cuts noise in only that frequency by 24 decibels. Cockpit noise that's most damaging to human hearing is in the low-frequency band of around 40 to 250 Hz, while human speech is up around 400 to 4,000 Hz.
ANR headsets attenuate mostly in the low-frequency range, but aren't always effective in the speech range. Consumers might see noise reduction advertised as 26 dB, but that's only in those low frequencies. Reduction elsewhere might only be 5 dB. Though ANR is an amazing technology, it doesn't always beat out passive reduction .
Passive headsets block frequencies across a broader range and may offer higher noise reduction than ANR headsets, especially in speech frequencies. PNR does come at price because PNR headsets clamp tighter than their ANR counterparts and are usually heavier and seal tighter around the ears, which can become uncomfortable over long periods of time.
Excerpt from Plane & Pilot Magazine: "Headset How-To" by Marc C. Lee. Click for entire article.
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