@jtpalmbay2023 & others: It's important to understand that everyone's hearing loss is different. So is treatment for it. I was fit with a bicross system back when they first came available (1970s). That happened because my provider said I wouldn't need 2 hearing aids if I used the bicross. I should have been fit with 2 HAs because the tests in both ears were similar. Instead, I went with my right ear 'unaided' for over 2 decades. That led to sensory deprivation in the unaided ear.

After watching the development of cochlear implants in the 1990s, I decided it made sense to get one. However, I was advised to get a hearing aid for that unaided ear and to use both ears to listen to audio books with the telecoils they contained. It was a matter of plugging in a neckloop to an audio device. Back then everyone was using portable tape players and small radios. That provided that 'lesser' ear with sound it had not heard for many years. At first it wasn't very clear, but after a few months it became clearer. I was amazed that I could follow those audio books better than ever. However, without the technology my hearing was getting worse. (NOTE: I realize the cause of your single sided deafness is different than my hearing loss.).

I did that for nearly 2 years prior to having the deprived ear implanted in 2005. It was life changing. I was able to adjust to bimodal hearing (CI & HA) very quickly as my word recognition tests kept improving.

Are you using any add on technology with your bicross system? Does the system have telecoils? Did your provider explain this to you? Nearly all quality hearing aids today work with small add on microphones. Those tiny hand held devices can make a positive difference in many settings where background noise is present. In larger venues, hearing aids with telecoils can connect to the public address system. The key is to bring the desired sound direct to the hearing aid or cochlear processor. It's a matter of having the connecting link and being told how to use it. Also a matter of making sure the hearing aids you buy have it.

I realize I sound like a broken record as I've explained this before. Most important: Don't buy hearing instruments of any kind that don't have access to sound from other sources. That requires telecoils, and in the future it will require Auracast connectivity. Insist on both options when you buy hearing aids today. Sadly, people who sell hearing aids do not always explain this.

I hope you're able to get the information you need from your providers. Be proactive in asking questions. Learn from other people who have hearing loss.

Good luck!