What is a CROS System?
A Contralateral Routing of Sound (CROS) hearing aid is a type of hearing device that is used to treat unilateral hearing loss (single sided hearing loss). It takes sound from the ear with poor hearing sensitivity and transmits the sounds to the better hearing ear. As a result, the CROS transmitter device is not a full hearing aid. It has microphones and a computer processing chip, but no speaker. It will therefore be transmitting the sound wirelessly to a receiving hearing aid on the better ear. This type of set-up allows a patient to have access to sound from both sides of their head which aids in volume, clarity, and sound localization.
What is a Bi-CROS System?
A Bi-CROS system is very similar to the CROS system. A patient would still be wearing two devices, however, the CROS transmitter is paired with an active hearing aid providing amplification as well. A Bi-CROS system is used when someone has an asymmetrical hearing loss, that is a hearing loss in both ears but with one ear significantly better than the other.
What “bells and whistles” do CROS and Bi-CROS systems have compared to Traditional Hearing Aids?
Modern CROS and Bi-CROS systems are now sophisticated enough to have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (with up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge in some cases) and can also pair to a cell phone via Bluetooth. The latter would let the user stream phone calls, music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. to the better ear and would allow for the use of a “remote control” app to change different volume and microphone settings.
Who is a Candidate for a CROS or Bi-CROS System?
Individuals with either asymmetric hearing loss or single-sided deafness may be a candidate for a CROS or Bi-CROS system pending clearance from a medical provider. To inquire whether or not this non-surgical option would work for you, give us a call at 904-399-0350 to make an appointment!