Helmet & Hearing aids

[Over the Ord]

My helmet touches the buttons on my hearing aids causing them to beep, I’ve tried putting the thicker sponge padding in but that doesn’t help, the fix I think is a cycle helmet that raises above the ears to clear the hearing aids, do they exist?

Any advice appreciated before I call into the LBS next week to see what they have.

 

[T4tomo]

Related but not:
I don't have hearing aids, but I have found that Cat ears - little furry strips that fasten to your helmet straps - are effective at reducing wind noise, which I imagine hearing aid users would find useful

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Solution here from Switzerland:

…and some advice from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Insitiute.

 

[numbnuts]

I tried my hearing aid while riding......the wind noise was horrendous
so stopped using them, at least I don't hear the prats in cars swearing at me now

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I have no problems with my hearing aids

so it is possible to have both - you may need to find a helmet that has more clearance over you ear

 

[Over the Ord]

Wind noise isn’t a problem, I use a thin headband over the hearing aids & ears.
I’ll check out the LBS to see what they have, I looked online but it’s hard to judge the clearance over the ear.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[clockworksimon]

I used to wear hearing aids and now have a cochlear implant which has an over the ear processor (like normal hearing aids) and a magnet coil attaching to the side of the head just above and behind the ear. Just where most helmet cradles sit.
I tried lots of helmets to find one which did not painfully press on the magnet, did not interfere with the over the ear processor and finally was big enough for my 61cm head.
I eventually had to ask staff in a large local bike shop to help. We tried lots and eventually confirmed that, for me, the Specialized Search helmet was the most comfortable. I’ve used it for a year now and it’s been absolutely fine. It’s not the cheapest at just over £100 but I was happy to receive it as a birthday present.

 

[Over the Ord]

I used to wear hearing aids and now have a cochlear implant which has an over the ear processor (like normal hearing aids) and a magnet coil attaching to the side of the head just above and behind the ear. Just where most helmet cradles sit.
I tried lots of helmets to find one which did not painfully press on the magnet, did not interfere with the over the ear processor and finally was big enough for my 61cm head.
I eventually had to ask staff in a large local bike shop to help. We tried lots and eventually confirmed that, for me, the Specialized Search helmet was the most comfortable. I’ve used it for a year now and it’s been absolutely fine. It’s not the cheapest at just over £100 but I was happy to receive it as a birthday present.

Didn’t see that make when searching online, I will consider it as an option.
Thanks

 

[postman]

Wind and hearing aids,drives me mad,i cannot hear my two mates,if i take them out and i do,my hearing has gone totally.no idea what to do.

 

[fossyant]

I think this is a case for a physical shop and try some lids on !

 

[Over the Ord]

Wind and hearing aids,drives me mad,i cannot hear my two mates,if i take them out and i do,my hearing has gone totally.no idea what to do.

I have used my wife’s hair (don’t tell her, she can’t understand why it stretched) I put it on over the hearing aids and it reduces wind noise. It works for me.

 

[Over the Ord]

I think this is a case for a physical shop and try some lids on !

Yes.

 

[clockworksimon]

Wind and hearing aids,drives me mad,i cannot hear my two mates,if i take them out and i do,my hearing has gone totally.no idea what to do.

Ideally you need to make sure your aids are programmed with your up to date audiograms. If it’s been a while eg several years get them updated if you feel your hearing has got worse. Then get the audiologist to set you up with a ‘hearing in wind’ programme. If the programme you already have isn’t effective ask them to strengthen the filter options. Some aids are better than others. Many NHS aids are very good and are just the last, or next to last years version of the latest expensive private aids.
Personally, despite trying all the above with conventional aids, I preferred riding without the aids as I hated the noise. This is despite trying buffs, cat ears etc. this meant I mostly rode alone.
if your hearing gets bad enough that you are offered the opportunity for assessment for a cochlear implant, go for it. Hearing with the implant is vastly better for many than with conventional aids, including in wind on the bike. I always keep the implant on now when riding. I now ride in groups again and enjoy the social chat.

 

[All uphill]

I don't know what I am doing right, but I depend on NHS hearing aids and experience little to no wind noise while cycling.

I think it must be one of these three things:

Big ears
Slow speeds
That I am fortunate to have thick hair.

I don't wear a helmet, and only use a woolly hat in the depths of winter.