The benefits of CROS aids for individuals with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Objective: Treatment of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss has improved after introducing the new generation of monoCROS with a wireless connection, an open mould and an improvement in sound quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the new generation of CROS, to identify the situations in which the CROS was useful to the patient, and to identify factors that can predict successful treatment. Study design: Retrospective information was gathered by questionnaire from patients treated with the Phonak Audeo Smart CROS hearing aid at Aarhus University Hospital. The information related to usage, perceived benefit, situations of use, sound quality, maintenance and operation of the device. Results: The CROS was most frequently used in the company of others in small or large groups of people even though participants considered the sound quality to be best in quiet surroundings. The device was rarely used for telephone conversations. Of the 45 participants, 42.5% used it more than 4 h per day, 32.5% used it less than 4 h per day and 25% used it occasionally. The group of patients who used it most frequently was the student group, who used it in educational situations. The quality of sound was generally evaluated as above average, and operating and fitting the device was considered easy. Conclusion: The new generation of CROS hearing aids are useful in the treatment of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Further research is needed to compare this device to the BAHA.