Contralateral Routing of Signal
A hearing device configuration that routes sound from the poorer ear to the better ear; abbreviated CROS — note: editors should refer to the full form when the abbreviation first appears.
Full Definition
Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) describes a system in which a microphone worn at the non-functioning or poorer ear wirelessly transmits the audio signal to a hearing aid worn at the better ear, allowing the wearer to perceive sound from both sides. A related variant, BiCROS, combines CROS signal routing with amplification for the better ear when that ear also has hearing loss. Editors working on hearing device documentation should note that CROS and BiCROS are distinct configurations requiring separate descriptions. The term is sometimes misspelled as 'cross' or written in mixed case; the correct form is the four-letter acronym CROS in all-capitals. This entry covers the full form of the acronym only; clinical contexts frequently use the abbreviation alone.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out the full form on first use followed by the acronym in parentheses. Do not write as 'cross' or 'Cross.' Distinguish clearly from BiCROS in device-fitting documentation.
In Context
- "A contralateral routing of signal (CROS) fitting was trialled for the patient with single-sided deafness." — Audiology fitting report
- "Ensure 'contralateral routing of signal' is spelled out in full at first use before introducing the CROS abbreviation." — Journal manuscript editing note