Living with hearing loss in one ear presents a set of challenges that people with typical bilateral hearing often don’t think about. Understanding where sounds come from, following conversations in noisy environments, and simply keeping up in group settings can all become genuinely difficult. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with single-sided deafness (SSD), there are options available — and CROS technology is one of the most effective.
What Is Single-Sided Deafness?
Single-sided deafness refers to little or no functional hearing in one ear, with normal or near-normal hearing in the other. It can result from sudden hearing loss, an acoustic neuroma, infection, or trauma, among other causes. Beyond the obvious difficulty hearing from one side, people with SSD often struggle with something called the “head shadow effect” — when sound coming from the poor-hearing side has to travel around the head to reach the better ear, much of that sound is lost or distorted by the time it arrives.
How CROS Hearing Aids Work
CROS stands for Contralateral Routing of Signal. In plain terms, a CROS system picks up sound from the side of the non-functioning ear and wirelessly transmits it to the better-hearing ear. This allows you to hear sounds from both sides without turning your head or straining to reposition yourself in a conversation.
A CROS system typically involves two devices — a transmitter worn on the poorer ear and a receiver worn on the better ear. When the better ear also has some degree of hearing loss, a BiCROS configuration is used, which amplifies sound on the better side at the same time.
CROS Options We Offer
At Hearing & Balance Solutions, we fit patients with CROS systems from several of the leading hearing aid manufacturers, giving us the flexibility to match the right device to each individual.
Phonak CROS Infinio is one of the options we frequently recommend. It pairs with the Audéo Infinio R receiver-in-canal hearing aid and features the same rechargeable design, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Bluetooth connectivity as the rest of the Infinio family. It also benefits from AutoSense OS 6.0, which automatically adjusts settings based on the listening environment.
ReSound Vivia also offers a CROS version of its microRIE model. ReSound’s CROS solution integrates with the Vivia’s AI-driven sound processing, meaning the audio being transmitted from the non-hearing side benefits from the same deep neural network technology that powers the full hearing aid line. The Vivia microRIE CROS is rechargeable and connects directly to both iOS and Android devices.
Both options are discreet, modern, and designed to fit comfortably for all-day wear.
What to Expect from CROS Fitting
Getting fit with a CROS system involves more than simply picking a device. An audiologist needs to evaluate your hearing carefully to confirm the diagnosis, understand the degree of loss on both sides, and determine whether a standard CROS or a BiCROS configuration is more appropriate for your situation.
After fitting, there is typically an adjustment period. Hearing from a new direction takes some getting used to — your brain needs time to adapt to processing sound that’s being routed from one side. Follow-up appointments allow us to fine-tune the settings and make sure the system is working well in the real-world situations that matter most to you.
Are OTC Devices an Option?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are not designed to address single-sided deafness. CROS technology requires custom programming and careful configuration by a trained audiologist. Attempting to manage SSD without professional guidance often leads to frustration and poor outcomes. The investment in a properly fitted CROS system — combined with ongoing audiological care — makes a meaningful difference in day-to-day hearing.
Schedule a Consultation in Charlotte
If you’ve been dealing with single-sided deafness and haven’t yet explored CROS technology, we’d encourage you to come in for a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Gosu and our team at Hearing & Balance Solutions work with you to identify the right device and make sure it’s properly configured for your hearing profile and lifestyle. Call us today.