Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) device on subjective and objective listening effort and speech recognition in unilateral cochlear implant (CI) recipients. STUDY DESIGN: A single-group, prospective, repeated measures design in 2 technology conditions (with CROS and without CROS), 3 talker locations (0°, 90°, and 270°), and 3 signal-to-noise ratio conditions (quiet, easy, and hard). SETTING: Nonprofit audiology and speech language therapy (listening and spoken language) program. PARTICIPANTS: Unilateral adult CI recipients with limited functional hearing in their poorer performing ear or bilateral CI listeners willing to participate with their better hearing or preferred implanted ear for the duration of the testing (N = 15). INTERVENTION: Participants were fitted with a CROS device on their poorer hearing ear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Objective listening effort measured via verbal response time, subjective listening effort and motivation measured via questionnaires, and speech recognition. RESULTS: The CROS device reduced objective and subjective listening effort and improved speech recognition, particularly when speech was presented to the non-CI ear. CONCLUSIONS: The CROS device can reduce subjective and objective listening effort and improve speech recognition and motivation in certain situations.