Oticon CROS Hearing Aids: Models, Costs, and Effectiveness Review

Examining the Oticon CROS Hearing Aid System

For those with single-sided deafness, the Oticon CROS hearing aid system provides an innovative solution to restore hearing abilities. By transmitting sound from the deaf side to the hearing side, CROS technology makes it easier to understand speech and locate sounds.

Understanding Single-Sided Deafness

Single-sided deafness (SSD) is a condition where an individual has lost all or most of their hearing in one ear, while retaining good hearing in the other ear. This makes it extremely difficult to locate sounds or understand speech in challenging environments.

Some common causes for acquired SSD include:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Acoustic neuroma or tumor of the hearing nerve
• Meniere's disease
• Head trauma

SSD impacts the ability to locate sounds, understand speech in noise, detect warning signals, and can contribute to social isolation. However, innovative CROS hearing aids can help overcome many SSD challenges.

How Oticon CROS Hearing Aids Work

Oticon CROS devices work by picking up sound on the deaf side with one hearing aid and transmitting it to a receiver placed in the good ear. This sends sound input from both sides of your environment to an inner-ear hearing aid on the side with better hearing.

Components involve:

• CROS transmitter - microphone hearing aid worn on deaf side to pick up sounds
• Transceiver - device worn around the neck to relay signals
• CROS receiver - in-ear component that sends sound signals to hearing inner ear

Together, this CROS system provides several key benefits:

• Restores binaural hearing for better locating and understanding
• Frees up the good ear to better detect all surrounding sounds
• Reduces echoes, background noise, and need to turn head

Oticon CROS Product Lines

Oticon makes CROS devices in three product lines to suit varying needs and budgets:

• Oticon CROS - The essential go-to solution with great quality for an affordable price. Features a basic transmitter and NOAHlink wireless fitting with the Oticon ON App.
• Oticon Xceed CROS - Includes premium technology like a TAP control, telecoil, tinnitus relief features, and connectivity with select smartphones.
• Oticon MoreTM CROS - The newest, most advanced system with supreme sound quality, personalized gain/compression, feedback preventers and bluetooth connectivity to phones/TV.

Benefits of Oticon CROS Hearing Aids

Key advantages to choosing Oticon CROS devices include:

• BrainHearingTM Guidance - Scans environment 500x/second to clarify, balance sound
• Rechargeable Options - Some models provide a full day's use on one charge
• Connectivity - Bluetooth pairing with smartphones/TVs for direct streaming
• Tinnitus Relief - Features mask ringing for more comfortable hearing
• App Integration - Discreetly control settings with the Oticon ON App

This smart CROS technology filters away distracting noise in multiple environments so you can better focus on the important sounds you want to hear.

Cost of Oticon CROS Hearing Systems

Prices for Oticon CROS devices vary by selected product line and features, but often range from:

• Essential Oticon CROS - $1,500-$2,200 per pair
• Xceed CROS - $2,100-$2,700 per pair
• More CROS - $2,700+ per pair

Many private insurances cover all or a portion of costs. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage and determine out-of-pocket expenses before moving forward.

Does Medicare Cover CROS Hearing Aids?

Beginning in October 2021, Medicare Part B started offering limited coverage of up to $2,000 per ear every 3 years towards CROS and traditional hearing aids under a new benefit.

To qualify you must enroll in Medicare Part B and get hearing aids from a licensed provider. Contact your local Medicare coordinator to learn more about eligibility, coverage and claim procedures in your state.

Are Oticon CROS Devices Right for Me?

Wondering if Oticon CROS products match your needs and lifestyle? Consider the following questions:

• Do you struggle with single-sided deafness or profound hearing loss in just one ear?
• Do you have trouble locating sounds or following group conversations?
• Is background noise an obstacle in everyday communication?
• Does poor hearing impact your work, social life or relationships?
• Are you looking for both quality sound and connectivity features?

If you answered Yes to some of these issues, Oticon CROS devices may significantly enhance your hearing capabilities. Schedule a hearing evaluation today to determine if you could benefit.

Get a Hearing Assessment

Before investing in Oticon or any CROS system, make sure to receive a full audiological hearing evaluation. This exam determines the extent of single-sided loss while measuring hearing abilities in the good ear.

Based on results, the audiologist can program the ideal CROS device settings and frequency levels customized for your unique hearing needs.

Select an Experienced Provider

Due to the complexity of components working together, it is extremely important to have an experienced audiologist or hearing instrument specialist fit your Oticon CROS system.

Ask trusted friends, check reviews and confirm proper licensing to select a reliable local professional committed to exceptional patient-centered care.

Schedule in-person consultations with CROS candidates until you find the best hearing healthcare partner for long-term satisfaction.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

When first getting acclimated to amplified sound through neurotransmissions from one ear to the other, patience and practice is key. Allow your brain adequate time to get used to processing previously deprived auditory signals.

Set reasonable goals for usage each day, not pushing to overdo it too quickly. And communicate openly with your audiologist about progress, challenges and fine-tuning needs during the adoption period.

Maintaining Your Oticon CROS Devices

To promote longevity and performance, be sure to properly handle and clean your Oticon CROS hearing system daily.

Turn Off When Not in Use

Allow batteries to rest and amplifiers to dry out by turning off CROS devices overnight or whenever they will go unused for extended periods.

For rechargeable models, store in the charging case until ready to wear again.

Prevent Moisture Damage

Use moisture-absorbing tablets or desiccant packs in the battery case. Avoid exposing CROS transmitters and receivers to direct water contact or excess humidity when possible.

If the components do become wet, turn off and lay out to air dry completely before turning on or attempting to recharge again.

Clean Regularly

To remove earwax and debris buildup, use a soft brush and pick daily. Carefully wipe down microphone transducers and receiver contacts.

Your audiologist can recommend specialized wipes and cleaning tools to simplify upkeep.

Replace Worn Parts

For heavy users, earpieces, tubing and other components may need replacement every 3-6 months with standard wear and tear.

Schedule check-up visits with your hearing provider to assess when pieces need swapped out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep, shower and exercise in my CROS?

Most Oticon CROS devices allow for 24/7 wear when needed. Just be sure to wipe down and dry out components after getting them wet. Custom swim earpieces are also available for active lifestyles.

Do CROS hearing aids require batteries?

Some essential level Oticon CROS models use disposable batteries, while pricier options offer built-in lithium-ion batteries with charging cases for convenience.

How long do CROS transmitters/receivers last?

With proper maintenance, the typical lifespan for Oticon CROS technology is 4-6 years on average before needing full replacements.

Can CROS devices connect with my TV or phone?

Many newer Oticon devices utilize built-in Bluetooth to stream TV, music and calls directly to CROS receivers in your ear for private listening without disturbing others.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.