Top hearing aid brands tend to blend together, but Signia (formerly Siemens) does a lot to stand out. There's a lot to dig into from their unique form factors (including the new rechargeable Signia Silk) and long-lasting batteries. In this article, I'll give you the backstory of the Signia brand (and its German roots), the latest Signia technology, average pricing, and more.
In preparation for this guide, I sat down with Brian Taylor, AuD, the Senior Director of Audiology at Signia. Brian helps to lead innovation for the brand and shared perspective on the latest products and technology available.
About Signia (Formerly Siemens)
Today, Signia is among the most respected names in audiology. The brand's thousands of global employees design, manufacture, and dispense hearing aids through a vast network of audiologists. The brand has received various awards, including Red Dot Design Awards, iF Golden Design Awards, and CES Innovation awards.
Signia's History
Before we look at the latest from Signia, let's go back to the beginning. Signia's founder, German inventor Werner von Siemens, was a prolific inventor—one of his earlier known achievements was a new telephone design that used horseshoe magnets— and by 1913, he designed a hearing aid.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Siemens began growing a hearing aid business. In the 1960s, Siemens introduced the first in-the-ear hearing aid and rapidly expanded the brand through products, acquisitions, and technology.
The company became a leading hearing aid brand by the 1990s. Siemens Audiology Solutions was purchased in 2015 by Sivantos and later renamed Signia.
If you have some prior knowledge about Signia, you may already know that in 2019, Widex and Sivantos merged to create a new entity: WS Audiology. One of the WS Audiology brands—including Signia, Widex, and Rexton—currently manufactures 1 in 3 hearing aids worldwide.
Latest Models of Signia Hearing Aids
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Signia offers one of the widest ranging product lines among top hearing aid brands. The majority of customers opt for the Charge&Go model but the brand really has something for everyone including the fashion-inspired Signia Styletto, Earbud-style Signia Active and custom-molded Signia Insio.
Signia Silk is especially noteworthy due to its nearly invisible in-the-ear form factor and rechargeable batteries. Silk is the smallest rechareable prescription hearing aid on the market at this time.
While Signia's form-factors stay mostly the same from year to year, the brand releases a new operating system and processing chip every couple of years. Typically, the new chip starts in Signia's flagship (Pure Charge&Go) and rolls out through other form factors the following year. Signia is currently transitioning between the older Augmented Experience (AX) and the Integrated Experience (IX) operating systems.
The Last 8 Years of Signia Models
2023: Signia Integrated Experience (IX)
2021: Signia Augmented Experience (AX)
2020: Signia Experience (X)
2018: Signia Natural Experience (Nx)
2016: Signia Primax
Here's a closer look Signia's current product range. 👇
Signia Pure Charge&Go hearing aids were released in October 2023. They are among the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market in 2023 and amazingly hold nearly 40 hours per charge (second only to Starkey Genesis AI). Signia is known for limiting background noise by using motion detection to gather information about your surroundings as you move from one space to the next. Their new IX line of devices uses updated beam-forming to track multiple conversations at once. The hearing aids automatically sense when you start walking or sit down and make intelligent decisions about where to focus.
- Overall notes: Signia Charge&Go IX is a hearing aid for someone on the go. It's the smallest, has the most extended battery life, and offers best-in-class motion-based adjustments.
- Price: The national average price for Signia 7IX hearing aids is around $7,400 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Signia offers hands-free streaming (for iOS) and connectivity with their app. It is a solid device with impressive specs and design." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Among the smallest body size on the market
Second longest battery with 40 hours per charge
Fully customizable with premium sound processing
Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
Does not include a Find My Hearing Aids feature
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Signia Styletto hearing aids have a unique design to the hearing health category. The sleek devices look more like tech products than medical devices and are a favorite among style-seeking customers.
Styletto combines this fashion-forward design with all the features you would expect, like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeability, and clear speech in background noise.
Styletto hearing aids come with an AirPod-like charging case and use motion detection to gather information about your surroundings as you move from one space to the next.
The hearing aids automatically sense when you start walking or sit down and make intelligent decisions about where to focus. Styletto also gets top marks for the Signia Assistant feature in their app.
- Overall Notes: If you are looking for a more fashion forward hearing aid with all the top-of-the-line features, look no further. If you need button controls onboard your device, you may consider another option.
- Price: The national average price for Signia Styletto is $7,400 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and motion detection.
- What audiologists say: “Not your grandfather's hearing aid! The Styletto is a refreshing update to traditional hearing aid design.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Sleek product design
Bluetooth streaming enabled
Rechargeable
Slightly less processing power than Signia's traditional design
Signia Styletto is a premium hearing aid that requires professional fitting and costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Signia Silk was the hearing aid choice of the late Queen Elizabeth and has been one of the top invisible hearing aids on the market for years. In October 2023, Signia Silk became the market's smallest rechargeable, prescription-programmed hearing aid.
Signia Silk is a tiny, fully customizable hearing aid with a robust set of technologies, including wireless controls via the Signia App, remote programming after your first office visit, and intelligent sound algorithms that sort out background noise.
Signia Silk originally made a name for itself by using what they call Click Sleeves to match the size of your ear canal and make their hearing aids ready to wear. The majority of invisible-style hearing aids require a custom ear imprint. Signia's approach cuts down on prices and wait times.
Now, Signia is back with a complete renovation of their popular Signia Silk. The new Silk Charge&Go IX features a brand-new operating system and, most notably, a rechargeable battery.
- Overall Notes: Signia technology is well regarded by audiologists and hearing aid wearers. Silk isn't the most feature-rich option on the market, but it offers real customization, quality sound, and connection to smartphone volume and program adjustments. Importantly, it is nearly invisible but doesn't require a custom mold and offers rechargeable batteries.
- Price: The national average price for Signia hearing aids is around $4,744 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Signia Silk has a few extra features. One is CROS, which is specifically for people with one ear that needs aid and one that does not. This feature allows you to wear a hearing aid in both ears to create a full sound picture. Silk also offers Twin Phone, which is a setting that allows the sound of your phone in one ear to come through in both hearing aids. The Silk IX hearing aids come in simple red and blue colors to make it easy to know which goes in the left and right ear.
- Our Take: If you are on the market for in-the-ear hearing aids and want rechargeable batteries, Signia Silk is in rare company. Eargo (OTC disruptor) is the only other invisible option with rechargeable batteries. Some customers note that custom-molded devices like Starkey Genesis or Oticon Own are a bit more comfortable for all-day wear. Still, those devices require disposable batteries at comparable sizes.
Nearly invisible
Professionally programmed
No custom-mold required
Rechargeable batteries
Premium price point $2,998 - $5,000 for a pair
Requires an in person office visit
No Bluetooth features due to the size
Signia Insio is the brand's custom-molded family of devices. Insio devices come in two sizes. The larger In-The-Ear size is rechargeable while the smaller In-The-Canal size uses a disposable battery.
The larger custom hearing aid allows you to enjoy prolonged device usage without the constant worry of battery drain, and a rechargeable custom hearing aid is a great solution for those who have difficulty changing small hearing aid batteries. Signia custom hearing aids are designed to cater to the younger demographic, merging functionality with modern earbud-style design.
We also love the Signia Assistant app that controls the Signia Insio hearing aid. The app's Signia Assistant tool functions as your personal, portable audiologist, capable of adjusting your hearing aids in real-time, according to your environment and needs. The Assistant provides users with the freedom to personalize their hearing experience in various situations, whether it's a bustling city street or a theater production. Users have praised this feature for its ease of access and ability to make necessary adjustments on the go.
Signia custom hearing aids operate on Signia’s AX operating system. The operating system comes with impressive feedback cancellation and speech recognition features. It's worth noting that Signia's latest IX technology is not yet available in the Signia Insio form factor (likely coming in 2024).
- Overall notes: If you are looking for a comfortable in-ear hearing aid with Signia's sound processing capabilities, Insio is a great option.
- Price: A pair of Insio hearing aids can cost as much as $7,500 at a local clinic but we've found prices as low as $4,598. More on prices here.
- Features: The larger Insio size is rechargeable and offers excellent sound quality.
- Our take: Signia Insio stands as an excellent option for those seeking a custom rechargeable hearing aid with Bluetooth. If you are looking for a truly invisible option we suggest Starkey Genesis AI.
- Great battery life (ITE version)
- Modern aesthetics with functionality
- Smaller CIC or rechargeable ITE available
- Bluetooth available (ITE version)
- Operating system is one generation old for this model
- Higher cost than some over-the-counter hearing aids
- Some users may experience occlusion when using a custom-molded device
- No Bluetooth or rechargeable batteries for CIC version
In a strategic move to appeal to the younger demographic, Signia has introduced a modern earbud-style hearing aid called Signia Active. This design not only breaks away from traditional hearing aid styles but also aligns with the aesthetic preferences of a younger generation.
The sleek design, akin to popular wireless earbuds, ensures the hearing aid is less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. While this device bears a striking resemblance to an earbud, the technology inside injects Signia's hearing aid technology into this hearing aid disguised as an earbud.
Signia Active boasts several impressive features that we particularly like. One of the standout components is the inclusion of the Signia Assistant. This tool, available within the Signia app offers convenient adjustments to the hearing aids according to the user's environment and specific needs. This gives users the freedom to personalize their hearing experience according to various situations, from navigating a busy city street to enjoying a theatrical performance.
- Overall notes: If you are looking for a prescription hearing aids (customized by a professional) that looks more like an earbud, Signia Active is a great choice.
- Price: A pair of Active hearing aids can cost as much as $5,000 at a local clinic but we've found prices as low as $3,999 / pair. More on prices here.
- Features: Signia Active comes with rechargeable batteries that last 26 hours on a single charge. These devices stream Bluetooth only from iPhones at this time.
- Our take: Signia Active offers excellent sound-processing and a modern form factor. These devices are more visible than other hearing aids but blend in due to their headphone-style design.
- Stylish Design
- Professional Programming
- Great smartphone app
- 26 hour battery life
- More expensive than OTC options
- Not Suitable for Severe Hearing Loss
- More visible than some alternatives
- Bluetooth streaming only available for iPhone users
Signia Accessories
StreamLine TV
Signia's TV streamer connects to your television set and sends audio directly into your hearing aids. You can use the Signia app to manage your own personal volume.
StreamLine Mic
StreamLine Mic does double duty as a Bluetooth streaming tool and remote microphone. The mic can easily be clipped onto a partners collar in tough listening settings to enhance clarity. Streamline mic can also stream Bluetooth to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth connected device (including laptops, TVs, phones or cars).
MiniPocket
MiniPocket is a discreet keychain-sized remote control that gives users the power to make on-the-fly adjustments to their devices.
Note: Each of Signia's accessories must be purchased through a hearing professional. That professional will pair the accessories to your hearing aids within their backend software.
Signia Smartphone App
The latest Signia app has some fantastic features which patients love. You can read our full app review here. Some of our favorite features include:
- Remote care: Included in the Signia app (not a separate app)
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality, Signia Assistant
- Tinnitus masking: Customizable options through your hearing care professional
- Find my hearing aid: Not available
- Health tracking: Step tracking, activity (e.g., high intensity versus low), and wear time
How Signia stacks up against other leaders.
Signia offers a competitive range of products and technology with brand-new releases as late as 2023. If you compare Signia to other market leaders like Phonak, ReSound, and Oticon, you'll find that the brands have much in common.
That said, Signia stands out in a few specific ways:
✓ Size
Signia devices are smaller than average. Signia's flagship Pure Charge&Go is among the smallest among receiver in canal devices, and Signia Silk is the smallest rechargeable prescription device available.
✓ Sound
Signia has worked hard on its sound algorithms over the last couple of years. The devices now use split processing, which dedicates a computer chip to background noise and a separate chip to speech. The newest IX versions of Signia hearing aids also offer enhanced management of multi-talker environments. You can listen to sound samples from Signia here.
✓ Batteries
Signia's rechargeable batteries last up to 40 hours on a single charge, and the brand has an array of portable chargers that look more like consumer electronics than hearing aids. Starkey has slightly longer battery life at the moment, but we prefer the overall charging system from Signia.
Audiologist Review of Signia
Thus far, most of this guide has focused on Signia from the wearer's point of view, but each brand has its software for programming and adjustment. We asked our lead audiologist, Dr. Amy Sarow, for her thoughts on the "back end" of the Signia experience along with highlights from her patients. These were Dr. Amy's thoughts:
Comfort
From a professional standpoint, Signia's focus on comfort options is particularly commendable. This translates into customizable settings that allow me to better assist my patients in achieving optimal hearing aid performance while ensuring their comfort. Signia's commitment to providing a diverse, patient-oriented product line makes them a great option.
One of the most significant challenges for hearing aid wearers is the weird feeling of hearing their own voice loudly and differently than they are used to. The Signia hearing aids offer a unique solution to this issue with their Own Voice Processing feature.
This feature senses and identifies the wearer's voice, reducing the amplification of their speech, and providing a more comfortable and natural sound. It's quick and easy to set this up, having the patient talk (i.e. counting up from twenty) for a few seconds while wearing the hearing aids.
Streaming
Signia's audio streaming fine tuning is another feature that sets the brand apart. While the initial audio quality of the hearing aids is typically excellent, some patients might find the streaming quality not up to their liking. Recognizing this, Signia has incorporated an option to adjust the streaming audio within their software.
This feature allows audiologists to fine-tune the streaming experience to match the specific preferences of our patients, thereby ensuring that they can enjoy their audio content—be it music, podcasts, or phone calls—in the best possible way.
App Features
The Signia app emerges as another highlight that patients frequently appreciate. Among its features, the directional microphone function has proven to be particularly useful. This feature is especially beneficial in noisy surroundings, allowing users to select specific areas from which they want to hear better.
By focusing on the selected area, the hearing aids help to bring clarity to conversations while significantly reducing the interference from background noise. This intuitive approach to noise management has been well-received by users, enhancing their overall hearing aid experience. It's safe to say, the directional microphone feature is a hit!
Final Thoughts
From Signia's inventive German roots to the brand's array of form factors today, there are many good reasons to have Signia on your short list of hearing aids.
Explore this site for more specific content on each of Signia's products. You can use our search bar to compare Signia to other brands you are interested in.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Signia is a part of the Sivantos Group, which merged with Widex in 2019. Sivantos is headquartered in Erlangen, Germany. Previously under the name Siemens, Signia hearing aids are now manufactured by WS Audiology. The company is known for its innovative hearing aid technology and has won several awards for their designs, such as their stylish Signia Styletto slim RIC.
Signia was previously known as Siemens hearing aids before becoming its own brand under the Sivantos Group. However, Signia is now part of WS Audiology and offers advanced hearing aid technology. Signia continues to innovate and improve upon their designs, while also keeping up with the latest trends and consumer needs in the industry.
Both Signia and Phonak are well-known hearing aid brands with advanced technology and features. The decision between the two ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Some may prefer Signia's Signia Assist feature in the Smartphone app, while others may find Phonak's universal Bluetooth more appealing. Conducting a side-by-side comparison can help determine which brand is the best fit for you. For more information, check out our comparison.
Signia hearing aids have several pros, including their advanced, multiple beamforming technology and features such as stylish design and convenient Smartphone app features. They also offer a wide range of styles and models to meet individual needs. However, some potential cons may include the lack of a "Find My Hearing Aid" feature that some patients prefer. It is essential to research and compare different hearing aids to find the one that best suits your individual needs. Check out our comparison feature to see how Signia stacks up against other brands.
The lifespan of a Signia hearing aid can vary depending on individual use and care. On average, they can last up to 5-7 years with proper maintenance and regular servicing. Factors such as exposure to moisture, dust, and other environmental elements can affect the longevity of the hearing aids. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance and have them serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan. Overall, proper care and maintenance can help extend the life expectancy of Signia hearing aids. Some patients opt for ESCO insurance at the conclusion of their warranty for loss, damage, and repair coverage.
The decision between Widex and Signia ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Both brands offer advanced technology and a variety of features, so it is important to research and compare them to determine which one best suits your specific needs. Some may prefer the sound quality and customization options of Widex, while others may find Signia's multiple beamforming technology more appealing. Check out our comparison to see how they stack up side-by-side here.
Yes, Signia offers several tinnitus solutions in their hearing aids. They use their Notch Therapy feature to help manage tinnitus and provide customizable sound therapy options. Additionally, Signia hearing aids have customizable programs that your hearing care professional can create for you to help manage tinnitus. Speak to your audiologist about your options.
