It's funny, but sometimes we have a hard time hearing each other in our quiet living room! LOL
After trying the intercom for a while, we find ourselves talking to each other more on rides. We don't have to shout or repeat ourselves anymore. We just talk normal and can hear each other very well. I can even hear her breathing heavy and times, so I know she's working back there (or she could be faking it). At this point, I think we would miss it if we had to ride without it.