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Oticon has just released a new CROS/BiCROS solution with two innovations working in tandem to offer amazing benefits for people with single-sided deafness.
The new CROS features a version of OpenSound Navigator which has been optimised for people with single-sided deafness. This processing software works in both less noisy spaces as well as more challenging environments.
An additional feature designed for people with single-sided deafness is the TwinLink dual-streaming technology based on the revolutionary Oticon Velox S platform.
TwinLink, which makes it possible to connect to external audio streams via 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy, while simultaneously receiving sound transmission via Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) from the poorer ear to the better ear.
This means you can watch television or listen to music while carrying on a conversation with someone even when they’re positioned on your poorer ear side.
One of the most exciting things is a study that shows users experience a 50% improvement in speech awareness.
A recent Oticon CROS dual-streaming study showed a 50% average improvement in awareness of speech in the environment while streaming (2.4 GHz) with an active NFMI transmission of sound from the poorer ear side (Callaway & Aaby Gade, 2019).
Participants in the study listened to news stories through a ConnectClip with the Oticon CROS transmitter turned on and turned off. They were also given the task of pushing a button every time they heard a word coming from a speaker on their poorer ear side.
These tasks were completed with speech-shaped noise in the background.
When the transmitter was on, participants were 50% more aware of the spoken words in the noisy environment. Oticon CROS supports the open sound experience by supporting speech awareness in challenging listening environments and while streaming.