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.
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. 👇
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Featured in this article
Signia Charge&Go
Signia Charge&Go is a standout for those seeking a well-rounded prescription hearing aid that combines advanced features, sleek design, and extended battery life. Here’s why we love it:
- Long Battery Life: With up to 39 hours of power (34 hours with streaming), it’s perfect for reliable, all-day use without constant recharging.
- Speech Clarity: Multi-beamforming technology sharpens speech even in noisy environments, helping users focus on conversations with ease.
- Advanced Features: Includes Own Voice Processing (OVP) and Bluetooth LE Audio for smooth streaming from both iOS and Android devices, enhancing audio quality.
- Comprehensive App Support: The Signia smartphone app offers fitness tracking, remote care (after the first appointment), and Signia Assistant, adding customization and convenience.
Customer reviews for Signia Pure Charge&Go are generally positive with nearly all customers celebrating crisp and clear sound. Some customers even report improvements in tinnitus using Signia's in-app tinnitus features. Like all hearing aids, some users find that adjustment to hearing more sound is a process. See more reviews from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "I can hear again!! No more asking people to repeat what they said, turn up the TV, or be staring blankly because I wasn't sure someone was addressing me. I can hear the water that I accidentally left running outside (old pipes in an old house). It's wonderful!!" - Mary
- "I LOVE my new Signia Pure Chareg&Go 5 IX hearing aids. I'm 81 and these are my first so I wondered if I'd have trouble adjusting to the sound or the aids. The answer is neither! The sound is very natural - I'm now hearing highs I haven't heard for decades. From the first day I've been wearing them for 16 hours per day and don't even know they're there." - Jeff
- "The sound quality is very good .Ive had chronic tinnitus for over a year and three months. I use ocean sounds for my therapy , it sounds like you are there. They are discrete and easy to wear . I have reduced my tinnitus by 65 to 70 percent In just about 3 months. Take the step , put in the time and results will follow." - Harly
- "Sound quality is very tinny but from what I've read, that is to be expected. I know my family and friends are happy to not be repeating themselves over and over again. It's very hard to review a product when you have nothing to compare it to." - Colleen
- Among the smallest body size on the market
- Second longest battery with 39 hours per charge
- Excellent in background noise
- 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
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Signia app
- Signia uses a unique Split Processing technique helps isolate background noise and boost speech clarity
- Signia's Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice that many patients experience when adjusting to hearing aids
- Signia Pure Charge&Go comes in in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is one of the smallest receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market
- Choose between ten color schemes including: Black, Graphite, Dark Champagne, Silver, Pearl White, Fine Gold, Deep Brown, Sandy Brown, Rose Gold and Beige
- Choose between disposable and rechargeable batteries
- 36+ hours on a full charge
- Popular charger options: Portable charger with induction charging, or plugin Dry & Clean charger
- Signia Pure Charge&Go allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Signia Pure Charge&Go uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Signia Pure Charge&Go hearing aids can connect to multiple devices (ie. TV and phone) simultaneously
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Signia Pure Charge&Go uses a conduction charger that is easier to handle than contact based methods
- Signia Pure Charge&Go is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- 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
Signia Styletto
We chose this hearing aid for its unique combination of style, functionality, and customization. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fashion-Forward Design: This model is inspired by fashion, offering a sleek, modern look.
- All-Day Battery Life: With up to 20 hours of use and a case that provides five additional charges, it’s solid for active, on-the-go lifestyles.
- Enhanced Speech Clarity:Signia Styletto features the latest IX sound-processing technology, which does an impressive job of separating voices from background noise, enhancing clarity in various environments.
- Personalized App Experience: The Signia Assistant app gives users the freedom to adjust settings on the fly, creating a truly customized listening experience.
- Sleek product design Bluetooth streaming enabled
- Rechargeable
- Slightly shorter battery life than sister-product, Charge&Go
- Costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
- No onboard buttons (requires app adjustments)
Signia Silk
Signia Silk stands out for its near-invisibility and comfort, offering a discreet in-the-ear design that fits entirely within the ear canal. Here’s why we picked it:
- Invisible Comfort: Signia Silk is one of the smallest in-the-ear hearing aids, making it practically invisible to others.
- Rechargeable Power: It’s the tiniest rechargeable option, giving a full day’s use and coming with a portable charging case for quick and easy recharges on the go.
- Advanced Sound Processing: With dual processors, Signia Silk provides clear speech in noisy environments, while Own Voice Processing (OVP) minimizes the volume of your voice, creating a more natural hearing experience.
- No Custom Molds Needed: Designed for convenience, it’s ready-to-wear with pre-sized click sleeves, skipping the need for custom molds and simplifying fittings.
Users appreciate the discreet design, clear sound quality, and rechargeable batteries. However, some are concerned about the lack of onboard buttons and lack of Bluetooth streaming. Here are a few sample reviews from our partners at Zip Hearing.
- "I have been able to hear sounds I have not heard before. Concerned about the on/off situation. The charging is great, no battery to change." - Tom
- "These Signia Silk Charge&Go hearing aids are miraculous: they are hidden in your ear and basically invisible, but rechargeable, adjustable via the app on your mobile phone and they deliver great quality sound-even in noisy places like restaurants. And no fitting it’s required because they come with multiple size rubber ear pieces, so they’re good to go on your first audiologist visit. Dazzling!" - Allen
- "I'm really impressed with my Signia Silk Charge and Go 7IX. WIth the right provider, I now find them comfortable to wear all day and the difference in my hearing acuity before and after, is amazing. The unfortunate trade off, between supper small CIC's and no blue tooth (that's why I gave them a 4.5), for me, is acceptable." - Jean
- 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
- No onboard buttons (requires app or remote control)
- Signia Silk hearing aids are appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- Silk devices are not custom-molded and may create feedback in some severe cases
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for high-powered BTE hearing aids (not currently offered by Signia)
- Signia hearing aids are prescription devices fit and programmed by a professional
- Unlike other leading in-the-ear style devices, Signia Silk does not require a custom-earmold. Instead the device comes with a range of Click Sleeves that fit a wide range of ears
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Signia app for fine-tuning and program changes
- Signia uses a unique Split Processing technique helps isolate background noise and boost speech clarity
- Signia's Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice that many patients experience when adjusting to hearing aids
- Signia Silk hearing aids are slightly less comfortable than custom-molded alternatives
- Sit inside the ear
- Only available in one completely-in-canal size (nearly invisible in many ears)
- Choose from two faceplate colors: Black and Mocha
- Signia Silk hearing aids use disposable size 10 batteries (lasts 5-7 days)
- Signia Silk does not come with Bluetooth streaming
- Signia Silk requires regular disposable battery changes and good dexterity.
- Signia Silk hearing aids are not advertised as water resistant. Keep these devices away from water when possible.
- 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
Signia Insio
Signia Insio is a great choice for anyone seeking a custom-molded hearing aid that combines discretion with top-tier sound technology. Here’s why it stands out:
- IX Sound Processing: Insio features Signia’s latest IX sound processing technology, which enhances speech clarity in complex environments. This tech is shared by other high-end models like Silk, Charge&Go, and Styletto, ensuring premium sound quality.
- Custom Fit Options: Available in two sizes—Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC)—Insio offers a tailored fit, making it comfortable and nearly invisible to others.
- Invisibility: As Signia’s most discreet option, Insio delivers powerful performance while remaining hidden, ideal for those prioritizing subtlety in hearing aids.
If you’re looking for a blend of personalization and performance in a nearly invisible design, Insio is a solid choice.
- Invisible in most ears
- Strong underlying technology
- Personalized fit in your ears
- Some users may experience occlusion when using a custom-molded device
- No Bluetooth or rechargeable batteries for IIC or CIC version
Signia Active
Why We Picked It: Signia Active brings a fresh approach to hearing aids with its earbud-style design that prioritizes both style and functionality. Here’s why it stands out:
- Enhanced Audio with Dual Mics: Thanks to its larger design, Signia Active accommodates two onboard microphones, typically found in higher-end behind-the-ear devices, allowing for improved sound directionality and clarity.
- Excellent Streaming Quality: The earbud form factor optimizes acoustics, preventing sound leakage and automatically adjusting streaming volume in noisy settings, ensuring your music and podcasts sound better than traditional hearing aids.
- Advanced App Support: With access to Signia’s comprehensive app, users benefit from features like fitness tracking, remote audiology appointments, and the Signia Assistant for on-the-go support and adjustments.
- Stylish Design
- Professional Programming
- Great smartphone app
- 29 hour battery life
- More expensive than OTC options
- More visible than some alternatives
- Signia Active hearing aids are appropriate for those with mild-moderate hearing loss
- If you have more significant hearing loss it is recommended that you access professional care through Telehealth or local care
- Available for purchase through a hearing care provider
- Signia Active is made in collaboration with hearing leader WSA audiology
- Signia Active includes background noise support features of the X platform from Signia
- Signia Active Pro offers additional background noise support
- Signia Acitve sits in the ear like an earbud and comes with various ear tip sizes
- The device is larger than other in-the-ear hearing aids but does a good job handling occlusion
- Our team finds all in-the-ear models slightly less comfortable for all-day wear than RIC hearing aids
- Sits inside the ear like an earbud
- Available in black, black/silver, and white/rose gold
- Signia Active has built-in rechargeable batteries
- 26 hour runtime on a single charge
- Each pair comes with a sleek, portable charging case that includes additional, on-the-go charges
- Signia Active only streams Bluetooth through iPhones at this time
- Signia Acitve offers hands-free calling for iPhone users
- Android users can use an acessory to stream to their device in addition to using the hearing aid app
- Signia Active is very easy to handle
- The recharge case includes convenient magnets that pull the product into place
- No battery changes needed
- Signia Acitve has an IP Rating of IP68, which means it can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- The Signia app allows users to select programs and make adjustments
- The includes features to control directionality, volume, and bass + treble and the Signia Assistant feature
- The app is required to make changes (no buttons onboard)
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!
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
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.
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.
