Even at full height I can just barely see over it (from what I remember- like I said I rarely drive with it at that height) I have to admit, I'm a full face helmet guy- but this is the quietest shield I have- the givi tall on my silverwing actually CREATES MORE turbulence... and that you have to look through at 6ft. I know the Burgman givi tall is the same (through only for a 6footer) Maybe if you sit on an airhawk you just barely see over it- but it still pushes you forward. The genius of the Airflow is the lack of wind PRESSURE behind the screen. And being adjustable you really have all the variances inbetween.
Unless you ENJOY looking through a screen, I'd get the airflow (which by the way is not "optically clear" much of it is a bit milky- again it's not to look through primarily. The Givi tall is meant for that.
Hopefully all that info helps. Daboo did a great writeup on the Airflow as well- do a search for Airflow and you should find it.
PS for less ear noise- that's what earplugs/headphones are for. On any bike w/ any kind of windshield. I've got mild tinnitus and I don't remember having this issue before I began riding again- sadly WITHOUT earplugs for awhile.