I was wandering around the Rand Airshow when I was accosted and asked if I would like to get a fantastic – and indeed revolutionary – new headset that only weighs four grams.

The claims made for the NanoComm GA headset are impressive and I was sceptical, but was persuaded to let them at least fit me for a pair. Sean Stones, the NanoComm agent, sat me down and began pushing putty into my ears to get a mould. I began to regret my interest, but after a few minutes he was done.

After a while I received a phone call; my headset was ready. Sean delivered it personally. I was expecting some nasty little earpiece on a thin wire, but I was surprised. The NanoComm is clearly a professional and well thought-out piece of kit. It comes in a neat carry bag, which is much smaller than a standard headset bag. There are the two earpieces and, in a separate bag, two spare earpieces. A slender microphone is clipped to either earpiece. It is all connected to a lanyard which has a volume control and which takes a plug from cellphone or MP3 player.

All in all, a very impressive looking gadget. But does it work?

Sean shows me how to insert the earpieces into my ears with a simple half turn, and all of a sudden it’s quiet. When I talk I can hear the sound of my voice in my throat more than from outside.  Sean nods happily and explains: “Depending on the noise frequency, the NanoComm has a massive 25 – 40dB noise attenuation. This is far better than most passive, and indeed active, noise-cancelling headsets.”

The headset was developed for ear protection from hunting rifles, and the strength and durability shows. To give it a really tough test I used it in a Harvard flight to the Tzaneen airshow. I soon got used to the custom shaped earplugs and the sound deadening really is impressive, particularly if the earpieces are tight in your ears. And this is from a fantastically lightweight headset that drapes lightly around your neck. And best of all, at just R3500 plus Vat, it costs half what a comparable ‘headclamp’ headset does.

It may be unusual and take a bit of getting used to, (and I should get the hair in my ears trimmed), but it’s one of the best gadgets I have seen so far this year.

Visit www.earafrica.co.za and get hold of Sean Stones at 012-644-5265 or on 071-473-6199