Originally Posted by
WilcoRoger
I have both around-ear QC15 and Etymotic hf5 and er6 IEMs. Without going into the sound quality (etymotic runs circles around Bose) the main difference is that while the Bose screens the engine noise very effectively, the Ety's will screen out
everything (35-42 db according to the manufacturer) This can be an issue if you want to communicate with the FAs, etc. I use both types, though.
For sleeping I just use the highest rated foam earplugs I can find, at ca 10 cents a pair
Etymotic are noise isolating, not noise canceling - there is a significant difference, especially as the fit/seal of the earbud in a noise isolating set will determine the overall effect. The best option is a noise canceling earbud with a good seal to add isolation.