The lights are only indicators of the battery level and activate anytime you
depress the "on" button. They do not stay on during normal operation. The
only way you can tell the unit is turned on and working properly is
reduction in background sound level. I understand that some ANR headsets
produce white noise that is audible in a quiet setting, but the DRE 6000s
that I have don't.

Try the headset in an airplane and you'll quickly discover whether or not
they are working. Put them on in the passive mode and then activate the ANR.
If they are working properly, much of the engine noise will disappear when
you turn them on.

I added an Oregon Aero soft top and some gel ear seals to my 6000's, and
like them very much.

JimC

"Mike Noel" wrote in message
...
Just received these today and loaded two 9v batteries into the enr unit.
Not having an intercom handy, I tried pushing the ON button and get a
green
battery indication while the button is depressed, but the unit turns off
when the button is released. There is no aural indication of enr
activating. Does an active headset like this need to be plugged into an
intercom before the enr kicks in?

Mike in Tucson.