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What a CROS hearing aid system is, when it is fitted, advantages and things to be aware of.
What a CROS hearing aid system is
A CROS hearing aid system includes two units which both look like ordinary behind-the-ear hearing aids. The difference is that these hearing instruments do not amplify sound.
The unit worn on the deaf ear, called the transmitter, contains a microphone that picks up and sends sound to unit worn on the normally hearing ear, called the receiver. Sound transmission can be through wired and wireless units.
When a CROS hearing aid system is fitted
A CROS hearing aid system is fitted for children with profound deafness in one ear (unilateral deafness), where:
- there’s little or no benefit from hearing with a conventional hearing aid
- the hearing in the other ear is within normal range
Advantages of a CROS hearing aid system
A CROS hearing aid system can:
- help a child hear sounds on both sides of the head, to give a surround sound experience
- give a child a better sense of the world around them so they feel included
Things to be aware of
Children with unilateral hearing loss are at a considerable disadvantage when noise and distance from the speaker interferes with what they need to hear.
A child fitted with a CROS hearing aid system:
- will need time to adapt to listening to sounds from both sides of the head
- needs to be sat with their hearing ear facing the class and the teacher
Deaf children need good visual aids to reinforce new topics and vocabulary. Always check they understand what’s been said.
You can read about CROS hearing aid systems on the National Deaf Children's Society page about hearing aids for children.
What happens when you connect radio aids to a television, options for connecting radio aids.
When you connect a radio aid to the TV via relevant adaptors, the sound is sent directly to the young person’s receivers on their hearing devices, improving the quality of the sound they hear. Others can still hear the content through the TV speakers.
There are different options for connecting radio aids to the television.
Coaxial or Toslink
If your television has a digital optical out socket or coaxial socket, you can buy a toslink or coaxial kit to connect the radio to the television.
All sound should come out of both the radio aid and television speakers, including:
- direct streaming on the television
- external inputs, for example Sky or Virgin box, DVDs
You may need to adjust your sound output on your television menu to a standard 2-channel stereo audio output.
You can buy a toslink or coaxial kit on the Connevans site.
Scart to Phono adaptor
If your television has a scart socket on the back, you can use a scart to phono adaptor.
The sound comes directly from the television. Any sound either directly from the television or an external input, such as a Sky box, or DVDs, will be heard.
You can buy a Scart to Phono adaptor on the Connevans website.
Connecting directly to a Sky box
Sky boxes have phono sockets on the back that can be used to connect the radio aid to the audio delivered from the Sky box using a simple phono lead.
The young person will only hear sound from the Sky box through their radio aid. They won’t hear other sources such as DVDs or online streaming direct from the TV.
You can buy a phono lead to connect to a Sky box from the Connevans website.
HDMI audio extractor
You can use a HDMI audio extractor to connect a radio aid to your TV if you’re using an external input that connects to your TV via HDMI, for example a Virgin Media box, Sky box, or fire stick.
If the young person experiences any unwanted noise through other options, the HDMI audio extractor typically overcomes the issue.
The young person will only hear sound from the HDMI source, not any internal sources from the television, for example if you were to stream content on a smart television.
You can also use a HDMI audio extractor to connect a radio aid to a smart board.
You can buy a HDMI audio extractor from the Connevans website.
How to check a hearing aid works and all its parts are in good order, hearing aid care equipment.
Steps to checking a hearing aid works
To check a hearing aid works:
- Check that the hook isn’t cracked or blocked and that the ear mould is clean and free from wax.
- If needed, place a new battery in the battery compartment and close to turn the hearing aid on.
- Cup your hand around the hearing aid to hear it whistle (acoustic feedback) This is a good indication that the hearing aid is working.
- Use a stetoclip with an attenuator to listen to the hearing aid to check the quality of the sound as some hearing aids are powerful. You can buy these from the Sensory Support Service or from Connevans.
Other things to check
Tubing
Tubing needs to be free from moisture and shouldn’t be discoloured or cracked.
Use a puffer to remove any water droplets. Separate the tubing from the hook of the hearing aid, place the puffer in the tube and squeeze.
Earmoulds
Earmoulds must be a good fit to prevent sound leaking out (acoustic feedback). It’s important to keep the ear mould clean and free from wax.
Battery compartments
Some battery compartments have a child lock to keep the battery from being removed by a young child. Ask your Hearing Support Teacher for advice.
Keep batteries out of the reach of young children. Dispose of used batteries carefully.
You can also use our pdf How to check a hearing aid guide (255 KB) .
Hearing aid care equipment
Hearing aid care equipment is useful for daily management of hearing aids.
You can buy it:
- directly online
- by telephone through a specialist company
Stetoclip with variable attenuator
This is used to listen to sound quality through a hearing aid. The attenuator is essential for listeners with good hearing to dampen the amplified sound from powerful hearing aids.
The plastic wheel can be gradually released for listening at a comfortable level. The mushroom ear pieces are made of plastic for wiping with a medicated wipe after use.
Good hygiene practice is essential if a stetoclip is shared between users, to avoid the risk of cross infection.
Puffer
A puffer is used to blow out moisture from earmoulds and tubing. Some children can perspire more than others and moisture can have an effect on the sound from a hearing aid as it travels through the tubing and earmould.
Products are available from on the Connevans website. You can also phone Customer Service on 01737 247571.
How BCHAs work, how to check a BCHA is working, ongoing management.
How BCHAs work
These hearing aids are used when hearing cannot be transmitted through air and through the middle ear. Sound is transmitted through the bone of the skull directly to the cochlear in the inner ear.
BCHAs work most effectively when the speaker is within 2 metres. BCHAs can be on a soft band or a hard band.
How to check a BCHA is working
Check the battery every morning. Hold the hearing aid in your hand. You should be able to feel the hearing aid vibrating when you talk. If it doesn’t, change the battery and try again.
Ask the child to turn round so they can’t lip read. Give a simple instruction and check for appropriate response.
Ongoing management
If you’re concerned that the BCHA isn’t working, check with parents.
The sound processor is battery operated and batteries need to be changed regularly.
Keep some spare batteries in school. Store out of reach of children.
Read more information on the National Deaf Children’s Society bone conduction hearing devices page.
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