Best CROS hearing aids in 2026, according to audiologists

What are CROS hearing aids?

CROS hearing aids are designed for people with significant hearing loss in one ear and normal or near-normal hearing in the other. CROS stands for contralateral routing of signal: Instead of amplifying the poorer-hearing ear, the system sends sounds from that side to the better-hearing ear.

CROS may be an option for people with unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD) when the poorer ear receives little or no benefit from traditional amplification.

How do CROS hearing aids work?

CROS hearing aids use different technology than the most commonly used hearing aids that are created to assist both ears.

Even though assistance is only needed for one ear, a CROS system uses two devices: a transmitter on the poorer-hearing ear picks up sound and sends it wirelessly to a hearing device on the better-hearing ear. This allows you to better hear sounds from all directions.

CROS hearing aids can improve access to these sounds, but they do not restore hearing in the poorer ear or normal sound localization.

How much do CROS hearing aids cost?

CROS and BiCROS hearing aids are only available by prescription. As with the cost of hearing aids, pricing varies by provider, manufacturer, technology level, and the professional services included.

Audiologist Dr. Jessica Hinson notes that a CROS or BiCROS system, which includes one transmitter and one hearing aid, is typically significantly less expensive than a traditional pair of hearing aids. However, exact pricing will depend on the devices and provider you choose.

Best CROS hearing aids of 2026

CROS hearing aids are available from several major prescription hearing aid manufacturers, but the best option depends on your hearing needs, preferred style, connectivity preferences, and the hearing aid worn on your better-hearing ear.

Our top CROS hearing aid options for 2026 include:

Phonak CROS Infinio

Prescription

• Price varies by provider
• Rechargeable
• CROS and BiCROS
• Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked Phonak CROS Infinio

The Phonak CROS Infinio is our top overall CROS hearing aid because it combines Phonak’s established CROS technology with the connectivity and sound processing of its Infinio platform. Phonak also has a long history of developing solutions for single-sided deafness, and our audiologists have previously highlighted its CROS technology in our Phonak hearing aids review as one of the brand’s standout offerings.

Overview of Phonak CROS Infinio

The CROS transmitter sits on the poorer-hearing ear and wirelessly sends sound to a compatible Phonak Audéo R Infinio hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. This gives the wearer access to sounds arriving from the poorer-hearing side without attempting to amplify an ear with little or no usable hearing.

Connectivity is another reason CROS Infinio stands out. When paired with Audéo R Infinio, the hearing aid worn on the better-hearing ear offers Phonak’s universal Bluetooth connectivity for streaming and hands-free calling. Phonak’s hearing aid ecosystem also supports Roger wireless microphones, which can provide additional help accessing speech over distance or in challenging listening environments.

CROS Infinio is rechargeable, with Phonak listing more than 16 hours of battery life for the CROS transmitter. Together, its rechargeable design, connectivity, and compatibility with Phonak’s broader ecosystem make it a strong option for people with single-sided hearing loss who want a modern, professionally fitted CROS system.

Phonak CROS Infinio pros and cons

Who is Phonak CROS Infinio ideal for?

Phonak CROS Infinio is best suited to people with single-sided hearing loss who prioritize connectivity or need additional support in challenging listening situations. Its universal Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with Phonak’s Roger microphone ecosystem make it particularly appealing for people who frequently use smartphones and other Bluetooth devices or struggle to hear speech over distance and in background noise.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Ruth Reisman: “Phonak has a long-standing history of successful and unique products, including the CROS device for those with single-sided deafness.”

Dr. Danielle K. Morgan: “Phonak’s Roger system is wireless FM technology that can help patients who need extra help beyond their regular hearing aid amplification. I recommend these devices when there is a chance a patient could benefit from the Roger system or might want to purchase a compatible microphone at some point.”

Signia CROS IX

Prescription

• Price varies by provider and model
• Rechargeable options available
• CROS and BiCROS
• Hearing loss: Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked Signia CROS IX

Signia CROS IX stands out for offering one of the broadest selections of CROS hearing aids, making it a particularly strong choice for people who want more flexibility in style. The current Signia Integrated Xperience (IX) lineup includes CROS Pure Charge&Go IX, CROS Pure Charge&Go BCT IX, CROS Styletto IX, CROS Active IX, and CROS Silk Charge&Go IX.

Overview of Signia CROS IX

Like other CROS systems, a Signia CROS transmitter sits on the side with unaidable hearing and sends sound to a compatible Signia IX hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. Signia says its latest CROS technology has an expanded dynamic range designed to improve transparency and clarity, particularly in challenging listening environments. It also uses what Signia calls “skewed directionality,” which shifts the directional microphone pattern toward the CROS side to help improve speech understanding when someone is speaking from that direction.

Style selection is where Signia particularly differentiates itself. CROS Pure Charge&Go IX offers a traditional receiver-in-canal design, while CROS Styletto IX has Signia’s slimmer form factor. CROS Active IX offers an earbud-style option, and CROS Silk Charge&Go IX is a particularly unusual choice: Signia describes it as the world’s only ready-to-wear, rechargeable CROS completely-in-canal (CIC) device.

Depending on the model, users can also get features such as rechargeability, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and control through the Signia app. This combination of CROS technology, multiple form factors, and Signia’s focus on speech in dynamic conversations makes CROS IX one of the most versatile CROS families available.

Signia CROS IX pros and cons

Who is Signia CROS IX ideal for?

Signia CROS IX is ideal for people who want more choice in how their CROS system looks and fits. Signia offers several CROS styles, including traditional RIC, slim, earbud-style, and discreet in-ear options, making it particularly appealing if comfort, appearance, or finding a form factor that works with your lifestyle is a priority.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, specifically recommends considering Signia for its range of options for single-sided deafness:

“Signia is a great brand for those looking for a small, yet effective device with an optional user-friendly app. It is actually my favorite app on the market. Most of their devices come in rechargeable and replaceable battery models. They also have options for those with single-sided deafness (called a CROS or BiCROS hearing aid). Their sound quality isn’t too tinny, and their background noise reduction is comparable to other top-tier hearing aid manufacturers.”

Oticon CROS RE

Prescription

• Price varies by provider
• Rechargeable
• CROS and BiCROS
• Hearing loss: Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked Oticon CROS RE

The Oticon CROS RE is the newest addition to Oticon’s CROS family and a strong option for people with single-sided deafness who want a rechargeable CROS system with advanced sound processing. The CROS RE transmitter sits on the poorer-hearing ear, captures sound from that side, and wirelessly sends it to a compatible Oticon hearing aid on the better-hearing ear.

Overview of Oticon CROS RE

It can be configured as either CROS or BiCROS. CROS is intended for people with limited or no usable hearing in one ear and normal hearing in the other. BiCROS works similarly but is designed for people who also have hearing loss in their better-hearing ear. Oticon lists unaidable hearing loss in one ear, including single-sided deafness or very poor word recognition in one ear, among the indications for CROS RE.

One feature that differentiates the latest CROS RE is Reveal AI Clarifier sound processing. Oticon describes CROS RE as its first CROS system with “Dual AI” technology, designed to provide access to both speech and contextual sounds. The technical documentation also confirms that the transmitter uses Reveal AI Clarifier processing.

Another standout is TwinLink dual-streaming technology. The CROS transmitter sends sound from the poorer side to the receiving hearing aid using Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), while the hearing aid can simultaneously receive external audio using Bluetooth Low Energy. In practical terms, that means you can stream music, TV, or other audio without losing access to someone speaking on your poorer-hearing side.

CROS RE is rechargeable, has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and offers a typical operating time of 24 hours, according to Oticon’s technical data.

Oticon CROS RE pros and cons

Who is Oticon CROS RE ideal for?

Oticon CROS RE is ideal for people who frequently stream audio but still want access to sounds coming from their poorer-hearing side. Oticon’s TwinLink technology allows compatible hearing aids to receive streamed audio while continuing to receive the CROS signal, which may be useful if you regularly listen to music, watch TV, or use other streamed audio.

What our audiologists say about Oticon

Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, points out Oticon’s TwinLink technology as an important CROS feature because it allows users to stream audio while continuing to receive sound from the CROS transmitter. “This is a big deal. Not all manufacturers have this,” she says.

Our audiologists have also rated Oticon positively as a brand. In our full Oticon hearing aids review, Dr. Danielle Morgan describes Oticon as a trusted manufacturer with reliable, user-friendly products and notes that she rarely receives complaints about its devices. Dr. Jessica Hinson highlights Oticon’s natural sound quality, while Dr. Ruth Reisman points to the flexibility offered by the brand’s medical-grade hearing aids.

ReSound Sensia CROS

Prescription

• Price varies by provider
• Rechargeable
• CROS and BiCROS
• Hearing loss: Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked ReSound Sensia CROS

The ReSound Sensia CROS combines ReSound’s latest premium hearing aid platform with a rechargeable microRIE CROS transmitter for people with single-sided deafness. The transmitter sits on the poorer-hearing ear and sends sound to a compatible Sensia hearing aid on the better-hearing side.

Overview of ReSound Sensia CROS

What makes Vivia particularly interesting is the hearing aid technology on the receiving side. Sensia introduces ReSound’s new AI platform and Intelligent All-Around technology, which combines automatic environmental sensing, four-microphone directional processing, and DNN-based noise reduction to help users focus on speech in noisy environments.

Connectivity is another strength. Sensia supports Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast, along with direct audio streaming on compatible devices. As with other CROS systems, these connectivity features come from the paired hearing aid rather than the CROS transmitter itself. The ReSound Smart 3D app provides additional controls, while accessories such as the Multi-Mic+ can provide additional support when listening over distance or in noisy environments. The CROS transmitter also offers CROS balance control, allowing the relative level of sound from the transmitter to be adjusted.

Sensia CROS is available as a rechargeable microRIE transmitter and has a typical battery life of 16 hours in CROS and BiCROS fittings. For people who need a different CROS style, Dr. Jessica Hinson notes that ReSound’s previous Nexia family offers additional flexibility, including a BTE CROS option that can be paired with a compatible in-the-ear hearing aid on the better-hearing side.

ReSound Vivia CROS pros and cons

Who is ReSound Sensia CROS ideal for?

ReSound Sensia CROS is ideal for people who frequently have difficulty following conversations in noisy or complex listening environments. It pairs CROS functionality with ReSound’s latest Sensia platform and its speech-focused sound processing, while also offering modern connectivity and access to ReSound wireless accessories for particularly challenging situations.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, has praised ReSound’s hearing technology for its performance in background noise and complex listening situations, as well as its natural speech clarity and user-friendly app. “Related to the CROS specifically, I love that the easy-to-use app allows for CROS volume adjustments,” she says.

Dr. Ruth Reisman, AuD, has also highlighted ReSound’s broad range of hearing technology, including its wireless accessories, remote care, smartphone apps, and microphone technology.

Starkey Omega AI CROS

Prescription

• Price varies by provider
• Rechargeable or disposable batteries
• CROS and BiCROS
• Hearing loss: Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked Starkey Omega AI CROS

Starkey Omega AI CROS stands out for combining the brand’s latest hearing aid technology with a choice of  rechargeable and disposable-battery batteries. It’s a strong option for people who want a CROS system with modern AI-powered sound processing, connectivity, and plenty of wireless accessories.

Overview of Starkey Omega AI CROS

The Starkey Omega AI CROS system is designed for people with little to no usable hearing in one ear. A CROS transmitter worn on the poorer-hearing side picks up sound and sends it wirelessly to a compatible Omega AI hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. For people who also have hearing loss in their better ear, the system can be configured as BiCROS.

Starkey offers two CROS styles: the rechargeable RIC RT and RIC 312, which uses a disposable size 312 battery. Both pair with compatible Omega AI hearing aids.

On the receiving side, Omega AI uses Starkey’s G3 Gen AI Neuro Processor and DNN 360 technology to adapt its directional processing as listening environments change. Starkey reports up to 28% better speech intelligibility compared with its previous technology and up to an 8 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement for spatial awareness.

Starkey hearing aids also offer a range of health, wellness, and connectivity features through the My Starkey app. Compatible Omega AI hearing aids work with Starkey’s StarLink Edge wireless accessories, including remote microphones, a table microphone, and TV streamer.

Starkey Omega AI CROS pros and cons

Who is Starkey Omega AI CROS ideal for?

Starkey Omega AI CROS is ideal for people with unaidable hearing loss in one ear who want a current CROS system with a choice between rechargeable and disposable batteries. The BiCROS configuration makes it an option for people who also have hearing loss in their better ear. It may be particularly appealing to people who prioritize AI-powered sound processing, app controls, and wireless connectivity.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, highlights Starkey’s DNN chip, long battery life, and physical controls. “I like the toggle switch on the back of the CROS, which allows for more on-ear adjustments without needing the app. It does make the device a little larger than others on the market, but I think the added size is worth it for the battery life and physical controls. I had a patient wearing a Starkey CROS who raved about the sound processing. With her previous CROS system, she could hear circuit noise from the hearing aid, but that noise was eliminated with the Starkey CROS.”

Dr. Ruth Reisman, AuD, similarly highlights the extra tools available with Starkey hearing aids, including tinnitus management, health tracking, fall alerts, and language translation.

Dr. Danielle Morgan, AuD, describes Starkey as a “tried and true hearing aid manufacturer” that continues to incorporate new technology into its devices.

Widex CROS

Prescription

• Price varies by provider
• Disposable
• CROS and BiCROS
• Single-sided severe to profound or unaidable hearing loss; BiCROS for hearing loss in the better ear

Why we picked Widex CROS

Widex CROS is worth considering for people with single-sided deafness who prioritize natural sound quality and speech access. The CROS transmitter is worn on the poorer-hearing ear and wirelessly sends sound to a compatible Widex hearing aid on the better-hearing side. Widex also supports BiCROS configurations for people who have an unaidable ear and hearing loss in their better ear.

Overview of Widex CROS

Widex emphasizes sound quality as one of the system’s primary strengths. The company says its wireless transmission is designed to avoid audible echoes and distortion, while reducing the head-shadow effect that can otherwise make speech coming from the poorer-hearing side difficult to hear. Widex’s professional materials also report improved speech intelligibility in noise for people with single-sided deafness.

Widex is particularly notable for its reputation for clear, natural sound. In our broader Widex hearing aids review, our audiology review board noted that patients using Widex hearing aids reported clear, natural sound. Widex is also known for low processing delay, which may be particularly relevant for people using another hearing technology, such as a cochlear implant, on the opposite side.

One important limitation is that Widex CROS isn’t compatible with the brand’s newest hearing aid platform. According to Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, Widex currently offers RIC and BTE CROS options compatible with its older EVOKE platform. This means people choosing Widex CROS won’t have access to the brand’s latest hearing aid technology.

Widex CROS pros and cons

Who is Widex CROS ideal for?

Widex CROS is ideal for people who prioritize natural sound quality or prefer Widex and don’t mind using an older hearing aid platform.  However, people who want the latest hearing aid technology, rechargeable batteries, or newer connectivity features may be better served by another CROS system.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Ruth Reisman, AuD, highlights Widex’s sound processing and short processing times:

“Widex is a great option for patients who need a hearing device that not only amplifies sounds in a sophisticated manner, it also helps treat tinnitus with its Zen feature, and restores music enjoyment with the widest frequency response range on the market. Widex also has the shortest processing times on the market and therefore is ideal for any patient that wears a bone conduction or a cochlear implant in the opposite ear.”

Dr. Danielle K. Morgan, AuD, also points to Widex’s reputation for natural sound:

“I have never personally fit Widex hearing aids on a patient, but they have a reputation for being good-quality devices that produce clear, natural sounds. As a provider, I like that Widex has many styles that can fit a variety of patients with differing needs. Although Widex is not a brand I currently work with, I would consider doing so in the future.”

Dr. Jessica Hinson, AuD, notes an important limitation for CROS users: “Widex CROS is not compatible with their newest platform. They currently offer a RIC and BTE style CROS compatible with their older platform, Evoke.”

Benefits and limitations of CROS hearing aids

CROS hearing aids can improve access to sounds from your poorer-hearing side, but they don’t restore hearing in that ear or recreate normal hearing with two ears.

Potential benefits

• Better access to speech. CROS can make it easier to hear someone speaking from your poorer-hearing side.
• Reduced head-shadow effect. Routing sound to the better ear helps overcome the reduction in sound that occurs as it travels around the head.
• Greater awareness of your surroundings. You may notice voices and environmental sounds from your poorer-hearing side more easily.
• Non-surgical treatment. CROS provides an option for single-sided deafness that doesn’t require surgery.

Limitations

• Doesn’t restore binaural hearing. Sound from both sides ultimately reaches the better-hearing ear, so localization may remain difficult.
• Can transmit unwanted noise. Background noise from the poorer-hearing side may be routed to the better ear along with speech.
• Benefits depend on the environment. CROS tends to be most helpful when speech comes from the poorer-hearing side, and results vary between users.
• Isn’t right for everyone. CROS requires wearing two devices and an adjustment period, and some people may benefit more from another treatment for single-sided deafness.

CROS vs. BiCROS hearing aids

CROS and BiCROS hearing aids both route sound from an ear with little or no usable hearing to the opposite ear; however, BiCROS hearing aids are also meant for unilateral hearing loss. The key difference is how well the better ear can hear.

With a CROS hearing aid, the device on the poorer-hearing side sends sound to the better ear without providing amplification for that ear. A BiCROS hearing aid works similarly, but the receiving hearing aid also amplifies sound to address hearing loss in the better ear.

An audiologist can determine whether CROS or BiCROS is more appropriate based on hearing test results and how much usable hearing you have in each ear.

Are CROS hearing aids right for me?

CROS hearing aids may be appropriate if you have severe to profound or otherwise unaidable hearing loss in one ear and normal or near-normal hearing in the other. They may be particularly helpful if you struggle to hear conversations or other sounds coming from your poorer-hearing side.

Who may benefit from CROS?

You may be a candidate for CROS if:

• You have little or no usable hearing in one ear.
• Your better ear has normal or near-normal hearing.
• A conventional hearing aid provides limited benefit in your poorer ear.
• You frequently miss speech or other sounds coming from your poorer-hearing side.

If your better ear also has aidable hearing loss, a BiCROS system may be more appropriate because it both routes sound from the poorer side and provides amplification for the better ear.

Alternatives to CROS hearing aids

CROS isn’t the only treatment for single-sided hearing loss. Depending on your hearing and the underlying cause, other options may include a conventional hearing aid if the poorer ear has usable hearing, a bone-conduction hearing device, or a cochlear implant for people who meet candidacy requirements. Bone-conduction devices may be considered for people with single-sided deafness, aural atresia, or chronic draining ears, while cochlear implants may be an option for some people with profound hearing loss. Communication strategies, such as positioning your better ear toward a speaker, can also help in certain situations.

The right approach depends on factors such as your hearing test results, speech understanding, listening needs, and medical history. An audiologist will need to evaluate your hearing to determine whether you’re a candidate for CROS, bone-conduction technology, or a cochlear implant.  You can use our Audiologist Explorer to find a hearing care provider near you.

How to choose a CROS hearing aid

The best CROS hearing aid for you depends on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. When comparing options, consider:

• Hearing performance. Ask how the system handles speech coming from your poorer-hearing side, particularly when competing background noise is present.
• Style and comfort. CROS systems come in different styles, including RIC, BTE, and some more discreet in-ear options. Consider comfort, visibility, dexterity, and whether you wear glasses.
• Battery life. Wireless transmission between devices can increase power demands, so compare expected battery life and rechargeable versus disposable options.
• Connectivity and accessories. If important to you, look for Bluetooth streaming, smartphone app controls, TV connectivity, and compatibility with remote microphones for challenging listening situations.
• Professional support. CROS systems require careful programming and follow-up. Ask about fitting, verification, adjustments, trial periods, and ongoing care.
• Cost and coverage. CROS pricing varies by device, technology level, provider, and services included. Insurance coverage also varies; see our guides to hearing aid costs and insurance and Medicare coverage for hearing aids for more information.