Question
audifon's>via< CROS/BiCROS system utilizes rocker volume controls on both the transmitter and the receiver unit and includes the option to synchronize the volume control settings between the left and right instruments. When and why should the transmitter volume control setting be different than the receiver volume control setting?
Answer
The main target of a CROS/BiCROS fitting is to equalize hearing on both the poorer hearing (or dead ear) and the better hearing side. Therefore, synchronizing volume control settings on both sides should be the default setting. Whereas the most benefit of CROS/BiCROS fittings is yielded in situations in which the target signal (speech) is coming from the deaf side, and noise is on the better side, CROS/BiCROS fittings might worsen performance in situations in which the speech comes from the better side, and noise is on the poorer side. In this instance, one might consider switching off the transmitter completely, or using the volume controls on the transmitter and receiver to optimize performance while retaining the CROS/BiCROS benefit.
For more information about fitting CROS/BiCROS, as well as audifon's new>viaCutting the Wire: What's New in CROS/BiCROS Technology? on Wednesday, June 22, from 12 - 1pm Eastern.
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Martin Kinkel, has a background in hearing research with a PhD thesis on the relationship between parameters of binaural hearing in normal hearing and hearing impaired subjects. In 1991, Dr. Kinkel was appointed as Head of Research and Developmentat KIND Hörgeräte (KIND hearing instruments), the market´s leading dispensing chain for hearing instruments in Germany. Research projects include audiometric measurement methods, fitting methods for hearing instruments and outcome measurements. Since 2010, Dr. Kinkel has served as the head of the Audiology group for audifon and KIND. Dr. kinkel is active in professional courses, trainings and is publishing and presenting regularly in scientific and trade journals and at congresses.