after several flight , I have determine that these headphone do what I buy they for : protect my ear ! if I listen to my ipod before , i have to have the volume crank to 100 % ! can you imagine how loud that be ! now with the noise reduce function on , i only have to have the volume at 1\/4 to 1\/3 the level before the headphone . but mostly i do not listen to music , i just have they on while i be on the plane , no music . i be very happy with these , give that i do not have to pay $ 300 for bose . no , they be not bose , but my goal be to save my ear & hearing for the next half of my life !