Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from hearing loss. Thankfully, technological developments have produced a range of hearing aid options to suit various kinds and intensities of hearing loss. Among these remedies, hearing aids with CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) and BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals) functionality have become cutting-edge choices for people with particular hearing difficulties.
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What Are CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) Hearing Aids?
CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids are intended for people with unilateral hearing loss, or hearing loss in just one ear. In these situations, one ear usually experiences major hearing loss, while the other ear remains normal or nearly normal in terms of hearing.
For CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids to function, sound must be picked up on the side of the hearing loss and wirelessly transmitted to the better ear. The wearer’s ability to perceive sound from both sides is enhanced, greatly enhancing their entire auditory experience.
What Are the Key Features of CROS Hearing Aids?
- Directional Microphones: A common feature of CROS hearing aids is the directional microphone, which helps concentrate sound coming from the hearing-impaired side. This improves the wearer’s comprehension of speech and other significant sounds in a variety of settings.
- Wireless Connectivity: To transfer sound signals between the devices, a lot of contemporary CROS hearing aids use wireless technology. This guarantees a synchronized auditory experience for the wearer by facilitating smooth communication and synchronization between the hearing aids.
- Personalization: CROS hearing aids can be tailored to fit each wearer’s preferences and hearing requirements. Setting them up to maximize the listening experience allows audiologists to use them in a variety of scenarios.
What Are BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals) Hearing Aids?
For those who have a substantial hearing loss in one ear and a mild hearing loss in the other, BiCROS hearing aids are ideal.
BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids amplify sound in both ears, in contrast to CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids, which transfer sound from the defective side to the better ear.
While the superior ear’s equipment improves hearing quality, the damaged ear’s device amplifies sounds.
What Are the Key Features of BiCROS Hearing Aids?
- Amplification in Both Ears: BiCROS hearing aids provide extra support to the better ear while correcting the hearing loss in the impaired ear. They are therefore appropriate for people who have asymmetric hearing loss.
- Advanced Signal Processing: Many BiCROS devices feature sophisticated signal processing technologies, such as noise reduction and feedback cancellation, to improve the overall listening experience. These functions lessen the annoyance of whistling noises produced by hearing aids and reduce background noise.
- Programmability: BiCROS hearing aids can be set up to adjust to different listening conditions. Wearers can participate in discussions and activities in a variety of environments, from quiet rooms to boisterous gatherings, thanks to this versatility.
Choosing Between CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:
- Unilateral vs. Asymmetric Hearing Loss: A CROS hearing aid can be more appropriate if the hearing loss is concentrated in one ear. A BiCROS hearing aid is a better option for people who have severe hearing loss in one ear and moderate hearing loss in the other.
- Personal Preferences: Personal tastes are important considerations when choosing the appropriate hearing aid. While some people could gain more from the extra amplification offered by a BiCROS device, others might prefer the simplicity of a CROS system.
- Lifestyle and Listening Environments: Take into account the wearer’s way of life and the settings they usually visit. Due to their sophisticated signal processing, BiCROS hearing aids might be more useful in difficult-to-hear environments like packed restaurants or noisy gatherings.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Some people place a high value on the appearance of their hearing aids. Since CROS devices only need one visible hearing aid on the deaf ear, they are frequently more discrete. BiCROS hearing aids, which include components in each ear, could be easier to spot.
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Sources
https://www.forbes.com/health/hearing-aids/cros-bicros-hearing-aids/