Contralateral Routing of Signal
Also written as: CROS — Contralateral Routing of Signal
A hearing device configuration in which sound picked up on the side of a non-functional or absent ear is wirelessly routed to a hearing aid on the opposite, functioning ear.
Full Definition
Contralateral routing of signal (CROS) amplification is prescribed for individuals with unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD) in whom conventional hearing aids are ineffective on the poorer ear. A microphone positioned at the non-hearing ear transmits the signal to a receiver worn at the better ear. A related system, BiCROS, incorporates amplification at the better ear in addition to the routing function, accommodating bilateral asymmetric losses. Editors must distinguish CROS from BiCROS and from bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs), which address similar populations but via a different mechanism. All acronyms should be defined at first use in clinical correspondence and patient-facing documents.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise CROS as an acronym; 'cros' or 'Cros' are non-standard and should be corrected.
In Context
- "A CROS fitting was trialled following the patient's left-sided acoustic neuroma resection resulting in single-sided deafness." — Hearing aid fitting report
- "CROS and BiCROS must not be used interchangeably; BiCROS includes amplification at the better ear." — Audiological device documentation editorial note