CROS
Pronunciation: cross
Also written as: CROS — Contralateral Routing of Signal
Hearing aid system that routes sound from a deaf ear to a hearing aid on the better-hearing ear for single-sided deafness.
Full Definition
CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) is a hearing aid configuration designed for individuals with single-sided deafness or significant asymmetric hearing loss. The system consists of a microphone unit worn on the poorer ear that wirelessly transmits sounds to a hearing aid or receiver on the better-hearing ear. This arrangement helps overcome the head shadow effect and improves awareness of sounds from the deaf side. BiCROS systems combine CROS technology with amplification for patients who have single-sided deafness plus hearing loss in the better ear. Modern CROS systems use digital wireless technology for seamless sound transmission between devices.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize all letters when referring to the technology; distinguish from BiCROS which includes amplification.
In Context
- "CROS technology eliminated the head shadow effect for sounds presented to the patient's deaf left ear." — Hearing aid fitting evaluation
- "The sudden hearing loss patient was fitted with a wireless CROS system after medical treatment failed." — Rehabilitation planning notes