CROS & BiCROS Hearing Aids: Enhancing Sound Perception for Unilateral Hearing Loss
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, the ideal solution for people who have hearing in only one ear. This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, their benefits and limitations, how to get them, and how they can improve your daily life.
Understanding CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
CROS (contralateral routing of sound) hearing aids pick up sound from the side with no hearing and feed it into the hearing ear, while BiCROS (bi-contralateral routing of sound) aids amplify sound from both sides and feed it into the ear with better hearing. These types of hearing aids are designed to help people with hearing loss in one ear to hear sounds more clearly and be more aware of other noises around them.
CROS and BiCROS hearing aids are made up of a conventional hearing aid that sits in the hearing ear, and a microphone that looks like a hearing aid, which sits in the ear with no hearing. The microphone picks up sound from the side with no hearing and sends it to the hearing ear, providing a more natural hearing experience.
Types of CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
There are several types of CROS and BiCROS hearing aids available in the market, including:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) CROS and BiCROS: These hearing aids have a microphone and processor unit that sits behind the ear. The most prevalent CROS and BiCROS aids are BTE hearing aids, which are typically available through the NHS.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) CROS and BiCROS: These hearing aids have a microphone and processor unit that sits behind the ear, with a thin wire connecting to a receiver (speaker) inside the ear canal. RITE CROS and BiCROS hearing aids are discreet and provide natural sound quality.
In-the-Ear (ITE) CROS and BiCROS: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the ear canal, with the microphone and processor unit sitting within the ear. ITE CROS and BiCROS hearing aids are more discreet than BTE versions and provide a comfortable fit.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) CROS and BiCROS: The only CROS and BiCROS hearing aids that are made to fit deep inside the ear canal are the Signia Silks. They are almost invisible. CIC CROS and BiCROS aids are the most discreet option and offer excellent sound quality.
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) CROS and BiCROS: These would fit even deeper within the ear canal, making them entirely invisible if they existed. Whilst IIC hearing aids do exist, their CROS and BiCROS counterparts do not.
Benefits of CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
CROS and BiCROS hearing aids offer several advantages for those with unilateral hearing loss, including:
Improved speech understanding: With CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, users can better understand speech coming from their non-hearing side, making conversations more comfortable and enjoyable.
Elimination of the "head shadow" effect: The “head shadow” effect occurs when the head obstructs sound waves, making it difficult to hear sounds coming from the non-hearing side. CROS and BiCROS hearing aids help eliminate this issue by routing sound from the non-hearing side to the hearing ear.
Enhanced spatial awareness: CROS and BiCROS hearing aids improve spatial awareness by providing sound input from both sides, allowing users to better navigate their surroundings and detect potential hazards.
Increased confidence in social situations: By improving speech understanding and spatial awareness, CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can boost users' confidence in social situations, making it easier to engage in conversations and enjoy group activities.
Greater comfort in noisy environments: CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can help users distinguish speech from background noise, making it easier to communicate in noisy environments like restaurants or busy streets.
Limitations of CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
While CROS and BiCROS hearing aids offer numerous benefits, there are some limitations to consider:
Difficulty localising sounds: Although CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can improve spatial awareness, users may still have difficulty determining the precise location of sounds due to the nature of the microphone's sound pickup.
Limited battery life: As with all hearing aids, CROS and BiCROS hearing aids require regular battery replacement or recharging, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Potential discomfort: Although modern hearing aids are designed for comfort, some users may find certain styles uncomfortable, especially if they are not accustomed to wearing hearing aids.
Cost: Private CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can be expensive, especially for custom-made devices like ITE, and CIC models. However, BTE versions are usually provided by the NHS.
Getting CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
The process of obtaining CROS and BiCROS hearing aids involves the following steps:
Consult with an audiologist: It's essential to consult with a professional audiologist to discuss your hearing loss and determine if CROS or BiCROS hearing aids are suitable for you. You can book a chat with our audiologist.
Hearing assessment: You will require a comprehensive hearing assessment to determine the extent of your hearing loss and the most appropriate hearing aid solution. You can then email your results to us at audio@croshearingaids.co.uk
Fitting and programming: If CROS or BiCROS hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist will fit and program the devices to your specific hearing needs. At CROS Hearing Aids, we’ll program your Signia Silk CROS/BiCROS devices and post them to you in days. Order here.
Follow-up appointments: The ability to have follow-up appointments with your audiologist are essential just in case things go wrong and to make any necessary adjustments. This is easy via remote programming and the Signia app.
Signia Silk X Hearing Aids
One excellent option for CROS and BiCROS hearing aids is the Signia Silk X range. These hearing aids offer advanced technology that delivers exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. With their discreet design and advanced features, the Signia Silk X can provide a more natural hearing experience for people with unilateral hearing loss. To learn more about the Signia Silk X and other available options, visit our CROS hearing aids services page or browse our online shop.
Tips for Adjusting to CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids
When you start using CROS or BiCROS hearing aids, it's essential to give yourself time to adjust. Here are some tips to help you adapt to your new hearing aids:
Start slowly: Begin by wearing your hearing aids for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.
Practice in different environments: Use your hearing aids in various settings, from quiet rooms to noisy public spaces, to help you become accustomed to different sound levels.
Engage in conversation: Practice having conversations with friends and family members to help you adjust to the improved sound quality and clarity provided by your CROS or BiCROS hearing aids.
Seek support: Stay in close contact with your audiologist to address any concerns or difficulties you may encounter while adjusting to your hearing aids.
Be patient: Remember that it takes time to adapt to new hearing aids, so be patient with yourself as you adjust to the changes in your hearing experience.
Conclusion
CROS and BiCROS hearing aids are an effective solution for people with hearing loss in one ear. They provide a more natural hearing experience, eliminate the need to make sure people speak into your ‘good’ ear, and improve your ability to hear sounds from both sides. Although they have some limitations, they can significantly enhance your quality of life and help you communicate more effectively.
If you think you might benefit from CROS or BiCROS hearing aids, we recommend consulting with our audiologists to determine which type is best suited for you. By exploring various CROS and BiCROS hearing aid options, such as the Signia Silk, you can take the necessary steps to improve your hearing experience and enjoy the sounds of the world around you.
Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide on CROS and BiCROS hearing aids. We hope this article has been informative and helped you understand more about these types of hearing aids. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can explore our website for more information on hearing aids, services, and resources available to assist you with your hearing needs.
Remember, addressing any hearing concerns early on is crucial to maximise your quality of life and ensure you can continue to enjoy the sounds of the world around you. By investigating the various CROS and BiCROS hearing aid options, you can take the necessary steps to enhance your hearing experience and communicate more effectively with those around you. Don't let hearing loss hold you back; there are solutions available, like CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, that can significantly improve your listening experience and help you regain control of your hearing.