Guide to Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss

More often than not, hearing loss is usually binaural, meaning that both ears are affected. In some cases, however, a patient may have normal hearing in one ear and is either permanently or partially deaf in the other. Single-sided deafness (SSD) is managed and treated differently than hearing loss in both ears. Continue reading as we expound on single-side deafness and how it is managed using CROS technology.

What is Single-Sided Hearing Loss?

As the name suggests, single-sided hearing loss is hearing loss only in one ear. This type of hearing loss is caused by viral infections, a tumour on the hearing nerve, or Meniere’s disease. A person with single-sided hearing loss may not realize that they have a problem when in quiet situations. Problems come in when in noisy surroundings and the person talking to them is seated next to the bad ear.

A patient with this kind of hearing loss needs special hearing aids, as regular hearing aids may not be as effective. A CROS hearing aid system is an ideal hearing solution as it routes sound from the good ear and brings it to the bad ear.

CROS Hearing Aid: What It Is and How It Works

The CROS hearing aid is a modified hearing aid made up of the normal hearing aid and a microphone on the outside. The initials CROS stand for Contralateral Routing of Off-side Signal. This device works by picking up speech through the microphone and sending it to the good ear. The microphone serves the purpose of receiving the sound in place of the bad ear.

Who Will Benefit from a CROS Hearing Aid?

A CROS hearing aid is beneficial for people with single-sided deafness. It helps the person affected by picking sound that is directed to the bad ear and sending it to the good ear, thus easier communication. Unfortunately, if the microphone is directed to pick up sound on the good ear, then it will not be effective. Therefore, it is safe to say that a CROS device is effective for people with single-sided deafness, but not in all situations.

People with single-sided deafness can also opt for surgical solutions like bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implantation. Although this could help, it is advisable to consider using CROS instead of surgery. Your insurance provider may also recommend that you try using Siemens hearing aids before surgery to see if it works.

Should You Wear One Hearing Aid or Two?

Given that only one ear has a problem, you may get confused about whether to use hearing aids on both ears. It is best to use hearing aids on both ears and see whether you are most comfortable when using them on both ears or one ear. Thankfully, most hearing aids have a trial period that helps you confirm whether you can buy them. If you use both hearing aids and you find that you are best when one hearing aid, consider using CROS hearing aids.

Leading CROS Brands and Products

When considering buying CROS hearing aids, consider getting them from reputable brands like those mentioned below.

Signia CROS X

Signia CROS X comes in both rechargeable and battery options. It also has a Signia app available for both Android and iPhone.

Pros of Signia CROS X

• Have adjustable features such as microphone directionality
• Has a convenient charging case
• Has a mask mode that enables easy understanding

Cons of Signia CROS X

• Has lower technology levels that force you to use the app to adjust volume and other settings.

Oticon CROS

The Oticon CROS hearing aids are compatible with most Oticon hearing products, such as the Oticon More. It is also available in rechargeable and battery options. Additionally, it has an app that works on iPhone and some Android models.

Pros of Oticon CROS

• It has a ‘Find my hearing aid’ feature in the app.
• The battery version uses a 312 hearing size, which is a small size, giving the device a smaller profile.
• Has a rechargeable case that is easy to work with all levels of dexterity.

Cons of Oticon CROS

• The connection is less stable as it uses the ASHA protocol to connect to a phone.
• The app is a bit simple, and it does not allow adjustments or changes.

Phonak CROS

Phonak is a leading manufacturer of hearing products, and the CROS hearing aids are no exception. They make CROS hearing aids with good features that are available in both rechargeable and battery options. Additionally, they have a myPhonak app that is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

Pros of Phonak CROS 

• It has a rechargeable case with a compartment for a drying capsule.
• It is a good option for Bluetooth Classic that allows for more options for connectivity with devices.

Cons of Phonak CROS 

• It is hard to remove the hearing aids from the charger
• The battery is larger than one would prefer
• It is impossible to disable notifications when the phone is connected to Bluetooth.

Contact Our Hearing Specialists for the Best Hearing Aid

At Bravo Hearing Centre, you can get CROS hearing aids from leading brands. Our hearing specialists also offer hearing tests to help you receive a diagnosis and start getting the proper care. Get in touch with Bravo Hearing and start your journey towards better hearing health.