Based on Mark's recommendation I did some research on the various ear phones and found the Etymotic Research ER6i ear phones to be the best (at least on paper). I bought a pair and absolutely love them. I also have a pair of the Bose Quite 2 headphones, and the Etymotic ER6i ear phones block out more of the background noise than the Bose cancel out. The sound quality of the ER6i ear phones are by far the best I have tried.

Normally I always wear ear plugs when I ride. Now with the ER6i I get the same level of noise isolation as I would with foam ear plugs, but if I decide to listen to music I can. When riding the sound level using the ER6i ear phones is just slightly higher than if I was using them inside the house. I have worn the ER6i ear phones around town, but I don't have the music on. When out on an open road or highway then I put the music on.

I fly a lot also and the ER6i are much better than all those noise canceling headphones. Smaller, easier to carry, more comfortable, you can sleep better with them in, and they isolate the noise better.

Just my opinion.

Tom

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)