Is the Cros any use with background noise?

[Rack]

Hi everyone!

Sorry for opening with what must be a hoary old chestnut, but I've Googled around and searched this forum but still haven't found all that much info on how useful the CROS is. Many people have testified it is useful and helps them but it isn't all that useful in loud environments.

My circumstance is that I've been deaf in my right ear since I was 5 years old as a result of measles, however the hearing in my good ear is still excellent. If I am talking to a single person in a quiet environment I have no problems at all, I prefer them to be on my "good" side but if that's not possible (e.g. when driving) it doesn't cause an issue. With more people I have difficulties and occasionally miss things even in a quiet environment but tend to get on reasonably well. In an even moderately loud environment though I'm effectively deaf.

I can't use a Baha because my deafness is caused by nerve damage and there are problems in getting a soundbite at the moment so my only option is a Cros. So, to get back to my original question is the Cros any use in situations with background noise? I've heard people say they tend to take them out in busy restaurants, but how about quieter ones? Does the Cros only exacerbate issues of background noise and help in other areas?

Thanks.

[Paul F]

I use a bi-cros and no, it doesn't help much in loud environments but I don't have the latest or best set up available.  I take what the VA will allow. 

I don't understand why a BAHA is out of the question for you.  You only have nerve damage on one side.  The BAHA sends the info from your bad side to your better side via bone conduction and should work just fine for you.

[Rack]

My understanding was the Baha redirects sound through the skull to both ears. If the bad ear has a working nerve it provides a much greater benefit. Without a functioning nerve in my right ear the Baha might be slightly better but it would be hard to justify using it over a Cros. Even if I decided it would still be better I don't think it would be available to me for that reason. It's not set in stone or anything, but my expectation is a Baha is unlikely to be an option.

Thanks for getting back with your experiences, it's a shame to hear it isn't much help in loud environments but sadly not surprising. Do you find it helps at all with moderate levels of background noise or does it have to be mostly silent?