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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
The Audiological Benefits of the CROS System for Cochlear Implant Users
Anna Ratuszniak1, Anita Obrycka2, Artur Lorens2
1Implant and Auditory Perception Department, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Kajetany, Poland, a.ratuszniak@ifps.org.pl.
Introduction:
When a unilateral cochlear implant (CI) is implanted in a bilaterally deaf person they may still experience, along with significant benefits, certain limitations. The use of a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) system, which transmits the signal from the deaf side to the side with the speech processor, creates an opportunity to reduce these limitations and improve hearing performance in difficult acoustic conditions. In this study, a wireless CROS solution from Advanced Bionics specifically designed for CI speech processors is investigated.
Methods:
Speech-in-noise tests based on monosyllabic word tests were given to 15 CI users with CROS switched on and off. Three spatially different listening setups were used to probe three binaural effects (binaural redundancy, head shadow, and squelch), together with spatial release from masking. The mean age of users was 66.2 years (standard deviation = 10.6), and all participants had ≥9 months of experience with their CI.
Results:
The speech-in-noise tests revealed improved speech intelligibility in some test conditions when using the CROS device compared to listening with just a unilateral CI. No spatial release from masking was observed.
Conclusion:
The investigated CROS system is a valuable addition to unilateral CI systems in cases where bilateral implantation is not an option.
