I've owned a pair of QC3, in fact two, since Bose replaced the first one that went out on me. Ever since, it regularly broke down, until I heard that dreadful similar noise, then one ear went out. It's completely dead now. I was asked to cough up another $100 to repair it. Seriously Bose, no thank you. I'd rather buy better quality from PSB or Audio technica.

The cynical part of me thinks those Bose QC3 only achieved their famed through heavy handed flyer magazine advertising. I don't see myself ever buying anything from Bose again after this experience. These were very expensive sets that regularly broke down. Upon closer inspection, I found why they do. They are hastily put together with shoddy workmanship. They are not worth it, and there is better quality out there for less money.

I had replaced mine because this squeal became more sensitive. To the point that if my hand even got close, say to adjust them, it would happen. Or if I turned my head and it got to close to the seat, or wall of the plane.

Then they slowly broke, over the course of four years I had forgotten about them and one day I found them. I called Bose about OoW repair and they told me $100 was to replace them. So I took them to a Bose store by me, paid and received a NIB QC3 with case, charger and all. This was a couple years ago now, but they said they always have done this and probably always will. They even gave me a choice of which ones I wanted.

All things considered I thought this was a pretty darn good deal!