Single-sided deafness — significant hearing loss in one ear while the other ear hears normally or near-normally — creates a distinct set of challenges that standard hearing aids don’t address. CROS and BiCROS systems are designed specifically for this situation.

The Problem with One-Sided Hearing

With hearing in only one ear, sound localization becomes impossible — you can’t determine where sounds are coming from. Conversations or sounds originating from the deaf side are missed entirely. Background noise that comes from the hearing side is disproportionately disruptive.

How CROS Systems Work

A CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) system uses a transmitter worn on or in the non-hearing ear to wirelessly capture sound from that side and route it to a receiver worn in the functioning ear. The result is hearing input from both sides, processed through the one ear that functions.

BiCROS for Asymmetric Loss

When the better ear also has some degree of hearing loss (as is common), a BiCROS system adds amplification to the receiver side as well. This addresses both the routing need and the amplification need simultaneously.

Alternatives Worth Knowing

Bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS) and cochlear implants are surgical alternatives for single-sided deafness. These require evaluation by an audiologist and may involve referral to an ENT or surgical specialist depending on the degree and cause of the loss.

If you have significant hearing loss in one ear, schedule a consultation with Embrace Hearing. We’ll assess which approach makes the most sense for your specific situation.