Ski Helmets and Hearing Aids

As both an audiologist and a passionate skier with an Epic Pass, I understand the balancing act between safety and comfort. Helmets are essential on the slopes—I’m a firm believer that everyone should wear one while skiing or snowboarding. But for those of us who wear hearing aids, helmets can sometimes create an annoying problem: feedback or whistling or sound that you do not want to hear.

Luckily, with the right helmet choice, fit, and adjustments, you can stay safe and hear clearly without the squealing interruptions.

Why Helmets Can Cause Hearing Aid Feedback

Feedback occurs when sound leaking from a hearing aid microphone or vent is reflected back into the device. On the slopes, helmets with ear padding or tight liners often press against the hearing aids, creating a seal that amplifies sound back into the microphone. This loop is what causes the infamous whistle.

Other contributing factors include:

• Helmet padding pressure pushing hearing aids deeper into the ear canal.
• Wind noise around vents or covers being picked up by the microphones.
• Moisture and cold weather which can change how earmolds or domes seal in the ear.

Best Helmet Styles for Hearing Aid Users

1. Helmets with Soft Ear Covers

Some ski helmets come with removable or soft fabric ear covers rather than hard shells. These provide warmth without pressing too firmly on hearing aids. They also reduce the reflective surface area that often causes feedback.

2. Half-Shell Helmets with Ventilation

Half-shell helmets that have vented ear covers allow sound to escape instead of bouncing back. This helps both with reducing whistling and keeping environmental awareness high—a safety bonus when skiing crowded slopes.

3. Avoid Fully Enclosed Hard Ear Cups

Helmets designed with hard-shell ear covers (common in racing helmets) are more likely to trap sound and increase whistling. Unless you need a racing-certified helmet, stick with models that allow more natural airflow around the ears.

Tips to Prevent Feedback Under Ski Helmets

• Try before you buy: Bring your hearing aids when shopping for helmets and test them in-store.
• Use sport locks or retention wires: These small add-ons keep hearing aids stable in the ear, reducing movement that triggers feedback.
• Add a thin hat liner: A moisture-wicking skull cap or balaclava provides an extra layer between helmet padding and your hearing aids, often preventing direct pressure.
• Adjust hearing aid programs: Some aids have “outdoor” or “wind noise reduction” settings that help minimize whistling.

Work With Your Audiologist

One of the most effective ways to solve helmet-related hearing aid issues is to involve your audiologist. Bring your ski helmet to your next appointment so adjustments can be made in real-world conditions. Living here in Utah, I’ve worked with skiers who want different things from their devices:

• Some prefer to reduce the crunch of snow under their skis because it can be overwhelming through amplification.
• Others want stronger Bluetooth streaming volume for music or calls compared to surrounding sounds.
• Some need fine-tuning to reduce whistling caused by helmet padding pressure.

Whatever your preference, your audiologist can create a custom ski program tailored for your mountain experience. The key is to communicate your goals and bring your gear with you.

Cold Weather Considerations

Cold conditions on the mountain bring their own challenges. Condensation can build up inside hearing aids as you move between cold outdoor air and warm lodges. To keep your devices working, follow the same strategies we recommend in our full guide on hearing aids in freezing weather:

• Store them in a hearing aid dry kit overnight.
• Bring backup batteries or a portable charger—cold weather drains power quickly.
• Use a hat liner to help keep both your ears and devices dry.

Moisture & Sweat on the Slopes

Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding sports. Sweat buildup under helmets can damage hearing aids just as quickly as snow or rain. See our sweat protection guide for tips on using sweatbands, dehumidifiers, and sleeves to keep your devices dry.

If you want maximum peace of mind, consider upgrading to devices designed for moisture resistance. Some models are tested far beyond IP68, as we explain in our article on the best waterproof hearing aids.

My Professional & Personal Take

From my dual perspective as an audiologist and an avid skier, my advice is clear: always wear a helmet. The benefits for safety far outweigh the inconvenience of occasional whistling. Yes, it can be annoying—but with the right helmet choice, plus small adjustments to your gear and hearing aids, feedback doesn’t have to ruin your ski day.

Protect your head, protect your ears, and enjoy the slopes with confidence.