1970: BICROS 1010
The CROS (contralateral routing of signals) line of hearing aids were eyeglass hearing aids. They provided hearing realism for a wide range of hearing losses from mild to moderately severe, and were available in many frame styles.
While this page is focused on the 1010 model, the 1040 yielded the best 3D scanning results. These models are 4 years apart and have the same functionality.
“1040, Copy 2 – 79IB3590, Mocha with inactive, 1974”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 30, Item 9.
Kaple, Dan. Scanning consultation at Thomas Blvd. 28 November 2025.
A fully concealed eyeglass hearing aid
By the 1970s, electric hearing aids had achieved near-total market dominance, and the problems that plagued early devices had largely been solved.
The Radioear Model 1010 BICROS represents this maturation—the improvements from the 1950s to the 1970s were more refined than the revolutionary leaps of previous decades.
While the 1010 still operated on the same fundamental technology as the 1956 Lady Radioear, it benefited from 14 years of steady electronic advancement. Its most striking feature was how seamlessly it disguised itself as an ordinary pair of eyeglasses—a remarkable improvement over the more conspicuous 840 model.
A look at all of the components of the 1010
“Radioear Price Lists, Parts and Accessory Catalogs, and Revisions, April 2, 1964 - March 1, 1971”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 41, Folder 4a.
Technical Advances
The Model 1010 CROS emerged from careful study of what users actually needed in a moderate-gain eyeglass hearing aid.
Key innovations included:
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Excellent amplification (46 dB HAIC/ANSI) for a "moderate" eyeglass aid
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Rugged ceramic microphone for durability
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Adjustable full-on gain for personalized control
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Cold-bendable temple design with a slim profile
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Forward-mounted volume control for easy access
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Virtual elimination of radio and radar interference
Components
The 1010 CROS utilized two interchangeable temple types, each designed to fit either the right or left side.
The P-3120 CROS Active Temple housed all amplification components except the receiver. In CROS configurations, sound was picked up on this side. It featured a volume control and could be identified by the absence of a nub.
The P-3130 CROS Receiver Temple contained the receiver and included a compartment for a spare battery, though no battery power was required for its operation. It was identifiable by its nub and lack of volume control.
Each Model 1010 came with either one active and one receiver temple or two active temples, depending on the hearing configuration needed.
A BICROS advertisement for audiologists; note how it is framed as a case study
“Advertising Materials: Proofs & Marilyn Brett HAIC Feature, August 1, 1945 - September 11, 1973”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 40, Folder 16.
The BICROS system could be tailored to individual hearing needs with either one or two amplifiers.
Single amplifier setup: One Active temple paired with one Receiver temple. The Receiver temple assisted the Active temple's function and included a spare battery compartment, but wasn't a complete hearing aid itself. The price of this configuration was $345 in 1970, or $2,964 in 2025.
Dual amplifier setup: Two Active temples, each functioning as a complete hearing aid. The price of this configuration was $670 in 1970, or $5,757 in 2025.
While the dual-amplifier model was considerably more expensive than typical Radioear devices, the cost reflected that users were essentially purchasing two complete hearing aids in one eyeglass frame. Another practical advantage was that users could use the telephone naturally. The 1010 processed phone audio without interference, and because the receiver sat so close to the ear, the user appeared to be wearing regular eyeglasses.
Sources
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“Model 1010 Instruction Booklets, 1970”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 39, Folder 29.
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“Radioear Price Lists, Parts and Accessory Catalogs, and Revisions, April 2, 1964 - March 1, 1971”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 41, Folder 4a.
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“Advertising Materials: Proofs & Marilyn Brett HAIC Feature, August 1, 1945 - September 11, 1973”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 40, Folder 16.
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“Price Lists, April 1, 1955 - March 1, 1971”. Radioear Corporation Records, 1900-1990, AIS.2023.21, Archives of Industrial Society, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System, Box 40, Folder 14.