CROS Hearing Aids and BiCROS Hearing Aids - For single-sided deafness

CROS Hearing Solution                                     BiCROS Hearing Solution

CROS Hearing Aids & BiCROS Hearing Aids

For single-sided deafness

What is single-sided deafness?

Single-sided deafness means you have one ear that is deaf and one ear with ‘normal’ hearing.  This also applies to those who have one deaf ear and one that has hearing loss which can be improved by wearing a digital hearing aid.  This is also called unilateral hearing loss.

Some cannot hear very little in one ear to such an extent that a standard hearing aid won't support them.    Unfortunately, some people with single-sided deafness live with it by asking people to communicate with them on their good side or their 'good' ear.  This isn't an ideal solution and means that they will still find it a challenge to hear in noisy environments as well as locate the direction of the sound they hear.

Now there are various successful hearing aid solutions that cater to single-sided deafness such as CROS and BiCROS hearing aids.  We go into more details about these latest models introduced into the industry further down the page.

How does a CROS hearing aid compare to a generic hearing aid? 

"Generic hearing aids direct sound into the ear they are placed on. With a CROS hearing solution, the device on the poor ear side looks like a generic hearing aid, but actually it is a transmitter and microphone that picks up sound to direct it to the device on the good side or ear that can hear" 

 Paul Harrison - Founder of Hearing Aid UK

What is a CROS hearing aid and what is a BiCROS hearing aid?

So, what are CROS and BiCROS hearing aids - how do they work?  There are two separate hearing aid solutions for single-sided deafness and these are called CROS hearing aids and BICROS hearing aids.  Here is the breakdown:

BiCROS Hearing Aids

BiCROS Hearing Aid:  A BiCROS hearing aid is for people who have one deaf ear and one ear with hearing loss.

BiCROS Meaning:  This abbreviation stands for Bilateral with Contra-lateral Routing of Signal.

CROS Hearing Aids

CROS Hearing Aid:  A CROS hearing aid is for people with one deaf ear and one good ear.

CROS Meaning: This abbreviation stands for Contra-lateral Routing of Signal.

CROS Hearing Aids & BiCROS Hearing Aids

If you are deaf in one ear, what does that mean for you?  What are your challenges?

For those who are deaf in one ear, there are a few challenges.  Here are some examples:

• Following conversations (also known as the Head Shadow Effect):  This is a challenge because of the different sound frequencies we hear.  For instance, low-frequency sounds are shorter in wavelength (which can go around the head) and high-frequency sounds are shorter (which are blocked by the head). 

Therefore, it makes it extremely difficult for those with a deaf ear to follow the conversation – without having to turn their head.

• The direction of sound:  Having one good ear makes it very challenging to know which direction sounds are coming from.

What does a CROS hearing aid do?

So, how do CROS hearing aids work?  In brief, in a CROS system, you wear hearing aids in both ears – even though you can’t hear in one ear.  This means the sound detected by the hearing aid in the bad ear is transmitted straight to the aid in the good ear.  This eliminates the ‘head shadow’ effect.

What does a BiCROS hearing aid do?

So, how do BiCROS hearing aids work?  In short, these work in a similar way to the CROS system apart from they are designed for those who have a hearing loss in their good ear too.  The hearing aid in your good ear will also be programmed for any amplification you may need by your audiologist.

CROS Hearing Aids & BiCROS Hearing Aids

BiCROS Hearing Aid Manufacturers / CROS Hearing Aid Manufacturers

CROS & BiCROS hearing aid prices

So, what hearing aid manufacturers offer these types of hearing loss solutions?  The short answer here is that most of the main hearing aid brands do have these hearing solutions in their product portfolio.  Usually, both these types of hearing aids start from around £795.

Here are the ones we have available and what we believe to be the best CROS/BiCROS hearing aids on the current market.  Click on the products below to find out more and to view our CROS/BiCROS hearing aid prices.

Best & Latest CROS & BiCROS Hearing Aids 2022

Phonak CROS Hearing Aids & Phonak BiCROS Hearing Aids

Phonak CROS P Hearing Aids

What is so different about Phonak CROS P from the CROS B?  This new model uses AutoSense OS 4.0, it understands, recognises and adapts automatically to give wearers the right mix of settings, features and programs.  In addition, along with StereoZoom, it can improve your speech understanding in even the trickiest of surroundings.

Phonak CROS P Hearing Aids Main Features:

• Proven Paradise technology
• AutoSense OS 4.0
• StereoZoom
• CROS balance
• Universal connectivity
• Hands-free calls
• Own voice pick up
• User-friendly
• Two models available - choose from a traditional battery or rechargeable

Oticon CROS Hearing Aids & Oticon BICROS Hearing Aids

Oticon CROS miniRITE T / Oticon CROS PX miniRITE R Hearing Aids Main Features:

• Based on the proven Velox S platform.
• IP68-certified so is protected from humidity and dust.
• Same model as the popular Oticon Opn S miniRITE T.
• 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy connectivity.
• Compatible with Oticon Opn S, Oticon Opn and Oticon Xceed.

Starkey CROS Hearing Aids & Starkey BICROS Hearing Aids

Starkey Livio CROS Hearing Aids Main Features:

• Multiple ways to access the balance of the microphone transmitter.
• Direct connectivity to both iOS and Android phones and devices.
• RIC Rechargeable solution.
• Both the CROS/BiCROS fitting is unique – each program can be programmed to be either CROS, BiCROS, or hearing aid only.

Signia CROS Hearing Aids & Signia BICROS Hearing Aids

Signia CROS Pure Charge&Go AX, Signia CROS Pure 312 and Signia CROS Styletto AX Hearing Aids Main Features:

• Proven Augmented Xperience platform technology.
• Reduces hearing strain and more clear speech in conversation - even on the go and in any hearing situation.
• Connectivity with both iPhone and Android smartphones.
• Includes AI technology within the Signia Assistant.

Widex CROS Hearing Aids & Widex BICROS Hearing Aids

Widex CROS Hearing Aids Main Features:

• Great wireless technology for high-level sound quality, no echoes and no distortion, which enables a better understanding of speech.
• You can choose from a range of Widex models from any of their platforms.
• Widex uses battery-saving technology, which is said to use three times less power than older CROS models in the industry.

How Do I Adjust to CROS & BiCROS Hearing Aids?

CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, like other hearing aids, take time to adjust and get used to.  As simple as it sounds, you need to wear your CROS hearing aid everyday or as much as possible and not give up when it feels challenging.

Your local audiologist is there for any program adjustments and support when needed, so you benefit from the best hearing experience possible.

CROS Hearing Aids / BiCROS Hearing Aids NHS

Can you get CROS / BICROS hearing aids from the NHS?  Yes, however like other hearing aids the choice and technology will be limited.  You can make an appointment with your local NHS service and be assessed to determine whether a CROS or BICROS hearing aid solution is right for you.

What are the benefits of CROS or BICROS hearing aids?

• You will be able to hear sounds from both sides without having to turn your head.
• You will be less likely to miss a conversation from your poor hearing side.
• You will feel less 'cut off' on your bad hearing side.
• In quiet hearing situations and good room acoustics, this solution should be of benefit.