Hearing loss can be a challenging condition, regardless of its cause or severity. While the majority of people have “binaural” hearing loss, which affects both ears, some people have hearing loss in only one ear.
Individuals with single-sided hearing loss, or asymmetrical hearing loss face a unique set of challenges.
At Centre For Hearing®, a leading hearing care facility operating across India, we frequently see individuals with unilateral hearing loss who are unsatisfied with their traditional hearing aids.
In such cases, the two types of hearing aids that can help you are CROS and BiCROS hearing aids. Let us explore these two hearing aids in more detail.
What is Single-sided Hearing Loss?
Unilateral hearing loss, often referred to as single-sided hearing loss, is the partial or complete loss of hearing in one ear while the other ear is still able to hear normally.
As the brain uses information from both ears to localise sound and differentiate between various audio sources, this kind of hearing loss might affect a person’s ability to detect and interpret sounds correctly.
Check out this guide if you want to know more about hеaring loss and how we can deal with it effectively.
Causes of Single-Sided Hearing Loss
Here are some notable reasons for such hearing loss:
1. Physical Injury or Ear Trauma
Hearing loss can result from harm to the ear’s structures caused by head or ear injuries.
2. Viral or Bacterial Infections
Infections of the inner ear caused by bacteria or viruses can impair hearing.
3. Severe Meniere’s Disease
This inner ear condition can result in hearing loss as well as other symptoms, including tinnitus and vertigo.
4. Head Trauma
Head trauma can cause damage to the auditory nerve or other ear structures, which can lead to SSHL.
5. Acoustic Neuroma
Unilateral hearing loss may result from an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumour on the nerve that links the ear to the brain. It can lead to conductive hearing loss.
6. Diseases
Meningitis, mumps, and measles are among the illnesses that can cause SSHL.
For expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, contact the Centre For Hearing®.
Treatment Options for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
If you have single-sided hearing loss, there are a few treatment options to consider:
1. Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS)
For those who have normal hearing on one side but no hearing on the other, CROS is a helpful alternative. Two gadgets make up this system: a hearing aid and a transmitter (that looks exactly like a similar hearing aid in the other ear.
While both devices may appear similar, they serve distinct purposes. One transmits sound, while the other amplifies it.
- This system works by placing a hearing aid in the better ear.
- The CRoS transmitter, on the other ear, picks up sound and sends it wirelessly across to the hearing aid on the better ear..
- The hearing aid picks up the sound from the ‘weaker’ side on the ‘better side’ thereby making sounds from the ‘weaker’ side audible on the better side.
- In other words, we circumvent the poorer ear. Pick up the sounds from the poorer side and transmit them across to the better ear.
2. Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signal (BiCROS)
For people who have moderate hearing loss on one side and no hearing on the other, BiCROS is a suitable option.
Unlike a traditional hearing aid, BiCROS tackles the issue of the head shadow effect, which can hinder hearing in noisy environments. It achieves this by utilising a unique configuration similar to CROS.
However, BiCROS goes a step further. While both systems place a transmitter on the hearing-impaired ear and a receiver on the better ear, BiCROS also amplifies sound in the better ear. This additional amplification provides a significant advantage, allowing you to hear more clearly overall.
The Centre For Hearing® collaborates with top technology providers to offer both CROS and BiCROS hearing aids. CRoS technology has been well-known from the following brands so far:
1. Phonak CRoS – available in RIC (Receiver in Canal) as well as BTE (Behind the Ear) configurations
Watch this video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOLzl9cBYA&ab_channel=Phonak
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2. Signia CRoS – Available in RIC (Receiver in Canal) as well as CIC (Completely in Canal) configurations
3. ReSound CRoS – The latest entrant with a very reliable and stable CRoS connection in RIC configuration
Advantages and Disadvantages of CROS and BiCROS hearing aids
Pros of CROS and BiCROS hearing aids
- Improved Hearing: The CROS transmitter picks up sounds from the side you can’t hear well and sends them to your functional ear, so you won’t miss out on sounds.
- Better Sound Localisation: You can tell where sounds are coming from, even from the impaired side.
- No comparison of worse ear hearing aids with normal hearing on the other side
Disadvantages of CROS and BiCROS hearing aids
- Interference in Noisy Places: Sometimes, in busy circumstances, it might be more difficult to hear well in your ear due to the additional sound coming from the impaired side.
- Limited Battery Life: The devices communicate with one another using an antenna, which rapidly depletes battery power. Typically, batteries last two to three days. For extended battery life, consider using bigger size 13 batteries.
CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids: Cost differences
There is a difference to be made about the price variations between CROS/BiCROS aids and conventional hearing aids.
- In both CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, the CROS transmitter (worn on the impaired ear) typically costs less than the hearing aid in the functioning ear. This is because the transmitter doesn’t have all the features of a full-fledged hearing aid.
- The hearing aid in the good ear has complete amplification capabilities and is priced accordingly. Note that prices may vary between hearing providers due to different policies.
- Both CROS and BiCROS hearing aids solutions cost Rs. 90,000 to Rs.250,000 and are available from a Centre For Hearing® clinic near you.
Things to Keep in Mind When Seeking Treatment for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
- Treating single-sided hearing loss isn’t very common among hearing care professionals, so find someone who is experienced and comfortable working with technology for this type of hearing loss.
Centre For Hearing® provides comprehensive hearing care solutions with top-notch specialists and state-of-the-art facilities. Our air-conditioned clinics offer complete hearing evaluations, utilising the latest European diagnostic equipment for accurate results.
- It’s also important to get a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to rule out any medical causes for your single-sided hearing loss.
- A tumour on your auditory nerve is rarely the source of the problem since it might obstruct sound coming from that side. It is vital to monitor this tumour and, if required, eliminate it.
For personalised care and expert treatment for single-sided hearing loss, contact the Centre For Hearing® today.
Expert Support for Unilateral Hearing Loss Treatment
Although having unilateral hearing loss might be difficult, the treatments we’ve covered can significantly improve your quality of life. At the Centre For Hearing®, we provide solutions and assistance to help you manage this condition.
In order to deliver excellent hearing care services, we collaborate with more than 50 skilled medical specialists throughout India. We make sure our clients get the greatest results possible by using top-notch hearing aids from reputable suppliers.
Our hearing care services are easily accessible in multiple locations across India, including:
- Delhi / NCR
- Bihar
- Chandigarh Tricity / Haryana
- Chattisgarh
- Maharashtra
- Punjab
- Jharkhand
Please call us at +91 9811227269 to arrange a free phone consultation or visit your nearest Centre For Hearing® location.
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