Millions of people around the world suffer from hearing loss. As there are different degrees of hearing loss, individuals must innovate and create various solutions to the array of hearing impairments. One such solution is a BiCROS hearing aid. BiCROS hearing aids make up a particular subset of hearing systems that differ vastly from traditional hearing aids.
Although these hearing aids differ from standard hearing aids, BiCROS benefits remain like other devices on the market. The overall goal of the hearing system is to improve the hearing capabilities of those struggling with some degree of hearing loss.
What is a BiCROS Hearing Aid?
A BiCROS hearing system is composed of two hearing aids worn by a subset of individuals with hearing loss. Rather than standard hearing loss, this type of hearing aid is worn by individuals who cannot benefit from a traditional in-the-ear hearing aid that amplifies all surrounding sounds and plays it into the same ear.
Wearers of BiCROS hearing aids often have one ear that cannot hear at all—the individual is entirely or nearly deaf in one ear. At the same time, the user’s other ear is hearing impaired as well. However, it is not completely deaf, as the user still has hearing capabilities in it. BiCROS hearing aids work to overcome the problem of having one ear at a loss and another impaired.
BiCROS hearing aids work in conjunction with each other. Both hearing aids have microphones on them that can pick up surrounding sounds. One hearing aid is worn on the ear without any hearing capabilities. Thus, this hearing aid acts as an artificial ear by picking up noise via the microphone.
The BiCROS system then utilizes the second hearing aid worn on the ear with some hearing capabilities left. The hearing aid with the microphone then transmits the sound it picks up to the other hearing aid. As the hearing aid on the excellent ear often has traditional hearing aid capabilities, it can amplify the incoming sound to a necessary level to be heard adequately.
This process results in the user having hearing in both ears restored thanks to a microphone and amplification hearing aid. Depending on the BiCROS hearing aid manufacturer, both hearing aids may have microphones to allow better hearing. However, even with this capability, individuals can often turn off one of the microphones to have only unilateral hearing.
BiCROS Hearing Aid Pros and Cons
BiCROS hearing aid wearers benefit from a system that, in theory, restores hearing to both of their ears. In addition, as many individuals with hearing impairments deal with feelings of isolation and lack of confidence, BiCROS systems can help users get over those feelings.
BiCROS hearing aids are not perfect solutions for all individuals. The listening experience is subjective. To assist users in their search, a list of pros and cons has been created from various reviews.
Pros:
- Improved hearing in quiet, hard-to-hear environments
- Restored hearing capabilities of both ears
- Directional hearing awareness
- Bluetooth technology to connect to other devices
- Improved confidence and quality of life in social situations
Cons:
- BiCROS aids may require an audiologist fitting
- Individuals with tinnitus do not get improvements in their condition
- Some BiCROS systems may not parse frequencies and sound well enough to recognize quiet speech
- A long adjustment period may be present for users
Best BiCROS Hearing Aid
Oticon CROS/BiCROS Hearing Aid
Oticon has created a BiCROS solution intended to help users with hearing even in less noisy environments. The system utilizes Open Sound Navigator technology to bring a 360-degree listening experience for users. The BiCROS hearing aids scan the environment, balance sound levels, remove unwanted noise, and amplify the desired frequencies and sounds.
The Oticon BiCROS hearing aid uses dual-streaming, allowing users to connect to audio devices with Bluetooth technology. At the same time, one of the devices can still be used as a standard hearing aid. As a result, users of the Oticon BiCROS hearing aid have reported a 50% improvement in speech awareness.
Signia BiCROS Pure Hearing Aid Solution
Another state-of-the-art solution for individuals with hearing impairments in both ears, Signia brings an advanced solution. The Pure transmitter offers improved all-around hearing by detecting sounds, processing them, and sending them to the good ear. The hearing aid on the excellent ear receives a processed sound mixed with its own amplified signal to produce an exceptional listening experience.
Signia’s BiCROS Pure Hearing Aids come with directional microphones to assist users in orientational awareness of incoming sounds. Furthermore, the hearing aids are energy efficient and resistant to water, sweat, moisture, and particles. The devices come in various styles, such as behind-the-ear or in-the-ear, and different color choices.
Also Read:
Hearing Assist Rechargeable Hearing Aids
What Are CROS Hearing Aids?
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