Technology

CROS & BiCROS hearing aids

Last update on Nov, 06, 2025

Designed for people with hearing loss in one ear that can't be treated with traditional hearing aids, our CROS and BiCROS hearing aids offer better all-around hearing. In CROS and BiCROS hearing aids, a CROS RIC transmitter is worn behind the unaidable ear. It detects sound, processes it, and transmits it to the hearing aid on the other side, allowing the wearer to hear sounds from both sides. Significant amounts of sound that otherwise would be lost are captured and delivered in a way the user can understand.

Key takeaways

CROS hearing aids are designed for people with normal hearing in one ear and unaidable hearing loss in the other.
BiCROS hearing aids are designed for those with hearing loss in one ear and an unaidable loss in the other.
Both systems improve the wearer’s ability to hear from all directions.

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What is the difference between CROS and BiCROS hearing aids?

While both hearing aids are for people who have unaidable hearing loss in one ear, CROS hearing aids are for people who have normal hearing in their other ear, while BiCROS hearing aids are for those who have asymmetrical hearing loss, where both ears experience hearing loss but to differing degrees. Both feature a transmitter on the non-hearing ear to pick up sounds from that side. However, a CROS hearing aid just features a simple receiver on the good ear to receive and deliver sound, while a BiCROS system’s receiver also amplifies sound from both sides.

CROS system and how it works

Our contralateral routing of sound (CROS) hearing aids are ideal for people with normal hearing in one ear and unaidable hearing loss in the other. This could include unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness. How does a CROS hearing aid work? Sounds from the unaidable side are sensed by the microphones on the CROS RIC and transmitted wirelessly to the other side.

BiCROS system and how it works

Our bilateral contralateral routing of sound (BiCROS) hearing aid solution is designed for those with aidable hearing loss in one ear and an unaidable loss in the other. How does a BiCROS hearing aid work? Sound from the unaidable side is sensed by the CROS RIC and transmitted to the instrument on the other side, which amplifies the sounds from both sides.

CROS and BiCROS hearing aid reviews

CROS hearing aid pros and cons

Below are some of the pros and cons of CROS hearing aids.

Pros:

Improved hearing in all directions and enhanced awareness of surroundings: Since the transmitter picks up sounds from the side of your non-hearing ear, you’ll be able to better hear sounds from all sides and directions.
Reduced social isolation: Your ability to socialize will improve, since you’ll no longer miss what’s happening on the side where you have difficulty hearing.
Discreet: Looking for an invisible CROS hearing aid? Most CROS hearing aids are receiver-in-canal (RIC) style, which are popular for their discreet profile and powerful amplification.

Cons:

Cost: CROS hearing aids are often a bit more expensive than regular hearing aids. Depending on which additional features you’d like your hearing aids to have, the price can go up even further.
Adjustment period: It will take time to mentally and audibly adjust to CROS hearing aids, where sound from your non-hearing side is transmitted into your hearing ear.
Ability to localize sound is still limited: While CROS hearing aids certainly help capture more directional sounds, it may still be difficult to discern exactly which direction a sound comes from.

BiCROS hearing aid pros and cons

Below are some pros and cons of BiCROS hearing aids.

Pros:

Improved hearing: With BiCROS hearing aids, you’ll get amplification from your “better” ear, as well as sound transferred into that ear from the side of your non-hearing ear—so you’ll be able to hear better overall, with less strain.
Hear from every direction: Rather than turning your head to hear better from one ear, BiCROS hearing aids improve your ability to hear from all directions thanks to the way they transfer sound.
Reduced social isolation: Your ability to socialize will improve, since you’ll no longer miss what’s happening on the side where you have difficulty hearing.
Discreet: Most BiCROS hearing aids are receiver-in-canal (RIC) style, which are extremely popular for their discreet profile and powerful amplification.

Cons:

Cost: BiCROS hearing aids are often a bit more expensive than regular hearing aids. Depending on which additional features you’d like your hearing aids to have, the price can go up even further.
Adjustment period: It will take time to mentally and audibly adjust to BiCROS hearing aids, where sound from your non-hearing side is transmitted into your “better” ear.
Ability to localize sound is still limited: While BiCROS hearing aids certainly help capture more directional sounds, it may still be difficult to discern exactly which direction a sound comes from.

How much do CROS and BiCROS hearing aids cost?

At Miracle-Ear, CROS and BiCROS hearing aids have a similar (though slightly higher) price range to regular hearing aids. However, prices vary by location. Visit your local Miracle-Ear store for more detailed pricing information on the system that best suits your specific hearing loss needs.

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Are CROS and BiCROS hearing aids covered by insurance?

Hearing aids are sometimes covered by insurance, and sometimes not—and the same goes for CROS and BiCROS hearing aids. Coverage depends on your plan, the state in which you live, and the specific details of your hearing loss. To get the most accurate information for your situation, call your insurance provider for details on the coverage they offer for hearing aids.