Sorry, I’m not familiar with VATSIM. It might have its own settings, but…
If you are using a headset, there is a setting in “General” and “Sound” that says something like, “Communications” or something similar. This setting will allow sounds like the ATC come through your headset only, but sounds like the Music, and Engine noise from outside the aircraft, etc… come through your speakers. If I were at my Simulator instead of at work, I could be more precise in my description. I’m just thinking out loud here. Perhaps someone with actual VATSIM experience has a better answer.
Glad I could help with the Yoke mapping though.
Jim-Sim