Abstract: A helmet for use by riders of bicycles, motorcycles or other vehicles. Left and right hearing assemblies are mounted inside of the helmet. Each of the assemblies has an enclosed ear cup positioned to fit snugly over a respective one of the user's ears. Respective hearing conduits extend from the ear cups through the interior of the helmet to respective openings. Thereby while the ear cups block substantial wind noises, the hearing conduits direct desirable sounds, such as emergency sirens, other traffic noises and voices, to the user's ears. User operable actuators for closing and opening the hearing conduits as desired can be provided. Optional ventilation tubes direct cooling and drying air through openings in the ear cups to the user's ears. Gates or shutters supported by the helmet shell allow the user to open and dose the ventilation tubes as desired.

Abstract: A helmet for use with a bicycle, motorcycle or other vehicle. In one embodiment, a duct is located at each side of the helmet, and used for the dual functions of drawing air from the interior of the helmet and channeling ambient sounds inside the helmet where the sounds can be heard by a user. Sounds may be enhanced by the use of microphones, speakers, and other electronic equipment. The side ducts extend to the rear of the helmet and help to reduce drag and turbulence-induced vibration due to air flow. In another embodiment, separate air and sound ducts are located at each side of the helmet. The separate air and sound ducts function more efficiently because air and sound waves pass through different inlet ports and openings in the helmet. Breakaway joints may be used for the helmet.