Contralateral Routing of Signal
Also written as: CROS — Contralateral Routing of Signal
A hearing aid configuration in which sound detected at a non-functioning ear is wirelessly routed to and amplified at the better-hearing ear.
Full Definition
Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) describes a fitting strategy used for individuals with unaidable unilateral hearing loss, in which a microphone placed at the poorer ear transmits the acoustic signal to a receiver worn at the better ear. This arrangement helps users perceive sounds originating on their non-hearing side. Editors should note the term is often written as both 'CROS' and 'CROS hearing aid,' and must verify consistent usage throughout a document. A related variant, BiCROS, is used when the better ear also has some degree of hearing loss and itself requires amplification. The distinction between CROS and BiCROS is clinically significant and editorially important.
Usage
Usage note: The acronym CROS should be expanded at first use. Do not confuse with BiCROS, which applies to a different clinical scenario.
In Context
- "The audiologist recommended a contralateral routing of signal device for the patient with single-sided deafness." — Audiology clinic letter
- "Ensure that 'contralateral routing of signal' is spelled out in full at first mention before the CROS abbreviation is introduced." — Editorial style note