Phonak CROS P – A Paradise Solution for Unilateral Hearing Loss

Individuals who exhibit unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and the hearing care professionals (HCPs) who care for them understand that UHL is not half of the problem of a bilateral loss, but comes with its own set of challenges including reduced localization, reduced awareness, and difficulties hearing in noise.¹¯³ Beyond the audiological challenges of UHL are psychosocial impacts, such as reduced psychological and social well-being, reduced quality of life, and increased loneliness.⁴¯⁷

Patients who have unaidable UHL, a unilateral hearing loss that because of a profound degree, very poor speech recognition, or intolerance for amplified sounds and cannot be fit with conventional hearing aids⁸ can be fit with technologies such as CROS/BiCROS. At Phonak, we believe that hearing well is vital for active and healthy living, well-being and connection with loved ones. Those values shouldn’t be limited to people with hearing loss in both ears!

Benefits of CROS/BiCROS systems for you

In August 2021, Phonak introduced CROS P to the Paradise platform, offering the benefits of Paradise to those with unaidable UHL and the HCPs who care for them. The Phonak CROS P device (transmitter) is worn on the impaired ear and wirelessly transmits sound to the Phonak Audéo P hearing aid (receiver) worn on the better-hearing ear via Binaural VoiceStream Technology (BVST). As the transmitter and receiver work as a unit, they can steer microphone directionality when in diffuse noise by employing StereoZoom. While using StereoZoom, reduced listening effort⁹ and an increase in the amount of social interaction¹⁰ have been measured.

Cros P Illustration

Patients who have unilateral hearing loss can be fit with Phonak CROS P to transmit sound from the "bad" ear to the "good" ear.

The benefits to you are many. A review of the literature evidenced improved speech intelligibility in noise, in diffuse noise, and in quiet with CROS/BiCROS systems.¹¹ Additionally, Stewart and Woodward found improved subjective quality of hearing such as ease of communication and sound quality. Being connected to others through access to audibility while in different real-world settings allows individuals with UHL to thrive social-emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

Hearing aids CROS P is compatible with

Phonak CROS P provides a unique solution to individuals with UHL, featuring proven Paradise performance in universal connectivity, RogerDirect, and truly hands-free calling.

CROS P Form Factors

There are two CROS system options to choose from: A CROS P-13 or a lithium-ion rechargeable CROS P-R, compatible with Audéo P-13 or Audéo-P-R/RT, respectively. CROS P can be fit with Audéo P devices in any technology level, offering an option to all individuals who live with UHL. You will experience the audiological benefits of a CROS system, with the added benefits of BVST and RogerDirect; the ease-of-use benefits of universal connectivity to millions of Bluetooth® devices and hands-free calling, and the well-being benefits that come with well-hearing.

Stay connected to the things you love the most with CROS P

Learn More

References

  1. Snapp H. A., Hoffer M. E., Liu X., Rajguru S. M. (2017a). Effectiveness in Rehabilitation of Current Wireless CROS Technology in Experienced Bone‐Anchored Implant Users. Otol Neurotol. 38 (10): 1397‐1404.
  2. Lieu J.E., Karzon R.K., Ead B., Tye-Murray N. (2013.) Do audiologic characteristics predict outcomes in children with unilateral hearing loss? Otol Neurotol 34:1703–1710.
  3. McKay, S. (2010). Audiological Management of children with single-sided deafness. Seminars in Hearing Vol. 31 (4).
  4. Lucas, L., Roulla, K. & Kitterick, P.D. (2017). The psychological and social consequences of single-sided deafness in adulthood. International Journal of Audiology. 1-9.
  5. Leterme G., Bernardeschi D., Bensemman A., Coudert C., Portal J.J., Ferrary E., Sterkers O., Vicaut E., Frachet B., Bozorg Grayeli A. (2015). Contralateral routing of signal hearing aid versus transcutaneous bone conduction in single-sided deafness. Audiology and Neurotology. 20 (4):251-60.
  6. Wie O.B., Pripp A.H., Tvete O. (2010). Unilateral deafness in adults: effects on communication and social interaction. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 119: 772–781.
  7. Pierzycki, R., Edmondson-Jones, M., Dawes, P., Munro, K. J., Moore, D. R., & Kitterick, P. T. (2020) Associations Between Hearing Health and Well-Being in Unilateral Hearing Impairment. Ear and Hearing.
  8. Golub, J., Lin, F., Lustig, L., & Lalwani, A. (2018). Prevalence of adult unilateral hearing loss and hearing aid use in the United States. The Laryngoscope. 128 (7), 1681-1686.
  9. Winneke, A., et al. (2018). Less listening- and memory effort in noisy situations with StereoZoom. Phonak Field Study News, retrieved from https://www.phonakpro.com/com/en/resources/information-forms/evidence.html, accessed on 6th September 2021.
  10. Schulte, M., et al. (2018). Significant increase in the amount of social interaction when using StereoZoom. retrieved from https://www.phonakpro.com/com/en/resources/information-forms/evidence.html, accessed on 6th September 2021.
  11. Stewart E, Woodward J. Out of the [head] shadow: A systematic review of CROS/BiCROS literature. Hearing Review. 2021;28(8):22-25.