CROS vs BiCROS Hearing Aids Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

If you or your loved one is experiencing single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetrical hearing loss, understanding the difference between CROS and BiCROS hearing aids is essential. Both technologies solve a similar problem improving hearing when one ear cannot be aided, but they work very differently. Below is a simple, clear, and highly helpful guide to help you decide which option is best for you.

What Are CROS Hearing Aids?

A CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) system is designed for people who have:

• One dead ear / unaidable ear, and
• One normal-hearing ear

How CROS Works:

A small microphone is placed on the non-hearing ear.
It picks up sound and sends it wirelessly to the better-hearing ear.

This allows you to hear sounds from the deaf side without turning your head—perfect for conversations, driving, crowded areas, or work meetings.

Who Needs CROS?

✔ People with complete hearing loss in one ear
✔ People with normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear
✔ People diagnosed with Single-Sided Deafness (SSD)

Benefits of CROS:

• Restores 360-degree awareness
• Great for work, meetings, and outdoors
• Lightweight & comfortable
• Natural and clear sound routing
• No amplification on the good ear

What Are BiCROS Hearing Aids?

A BiCROS system is designed for people who have:

• One unaidable/dead ear, and
• One ear with hearing loss that still needs amplification

How BiCROS Works:

• The deaf ear has a microphone that picks up sound
• The better-but-impaired ear receives those sounds PLUS amplified sound for itself

BiCROS is a combination of routing + personal amplification.

Who Needs BiCROS?

✔ People with SSD + hearing loss in the better ear
✔ People who struggle to hear clearly, even from the better ear
✔ Older adults with progressive hearing decline

Benefits of BiCROS:

• Clearer speech understanding
• Amplification + sound routing
• Great for restaurants, traffic, and offices
• Supports age-related hearing loss

CROS vs BiCROS Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

Feature	CROS	BiCROS
Best For	Single-Sided Deafness with normal hearing in the other ear	SSD with hearing loss in the better ear
Amplification	No	Yes
Sound Routing	Yes	Yes
Technology Needed	Simple routing	Routing + boosting
User Type	Young adults, drivers, students	Seniors, people with dual issues
Comfort	Very natural	Very supportive & strong

Which One Is Right for You?

The choice depends on your better ear:

✔ If your better ear hears normally → Choose CROS

Perfect for people with one non-functional ear but a strong hearing ear.

✔ If your better ear also has hearing loss → Choose BiCROS

Ideal for anyone needing extra amplification + sound routing.

Best CROS Systems to Buy

If you’re looking for the best CROS system in 2025, consider these top-quality options (available in our online clinic):

⭐ 1. Phonak CROS Lumity (CROS L)

• Exceptional speech clarity
• Best wireless connectivity
• Natural directional sound

⭐ 2. Oticon CROS Real

• BrainHearing technology
• Great for noise environments
• Ultra-comfortable design

⭐ 3. Widex CROS Moment

• Pure, natural sound
• Minimal delay

⭐ 4. Signia CROS Silk X\IX Transmitter

• Pure, natural sound
• Minimal delay
• Ideal for music lovers
  
  

Best BiCROS Options

⭐ 1. Phonak BiCROS Lumity

• AI-based speech focus
• Rechargeable options
• Premium for severe cases

⭐ 2. Signia BiCROS Pure Charge&Go AX\X

• Dual processing chip
• Superb background noise handling

Should You Buy a CROS or BiCROS Hearing Aid?

If you want:

• Smooth communication
• Better awareness
• Confidence in conversations
• Freedom to hear from your deaf side

Then, CROS/BiCROS systems are life-changing solutions.

You can check our CROS & BiCROS hearing aids on our online platform for expert fitting, full audiologist support, and best prices.