Signia Styletto 7AX Review

About the Brand

‍Signia is one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the hearing industry, manufactured by WS Audiology. Previously, Signia operated under the Siemens name but was more recently acquired by Sivantos. They offer a quality hearing aid technology portfolio with different form factors and charging options, which I'll explore later. Their products are known for their innovative design and unique background noise support.

Signia’s previous generation, the Augmented Xperience (AX), made use of split-processing technology to help with managing background noise. (If you’ve heard a demo of their split-processing technology, I’ll admit from personal experience, it does sound pretty great!) 

The newest generation Integrated Xperience (IX) technology takes listening in background noise to a new level. If you’ve ever been in a group setting and tried following multiple talkers, this technology is designed especially with you in mind. The Styletto IX is their latest premium product which boasts a sleek, slim RIC design and top-of-the-line sound quality. Now that you know more about the brand, let's get into more specifics with the Signia Styletto IX.

Noteworthy Features

There’s a lot to like here. The Styletto has several noteworthy features that stand out from other models today. Aside from the eye-catching, sleek design, Signia's Styletto IX processing is known for its smooth handling of background noise, complex environments, and motion sensor AI technology. The new chip processes at ten times the speed of the previous chip and boasts a 4 dB improvement in noisy settings. (For context: a change of 3 dB is considered noticeable regardless of hearing loss. So 4 dB can make a significant difference in noise.)

Signia's Own Voice Processing (aka, OVP) is also unique to Signia and helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice. This can be very useful for new users especially, helping them feel comfortable during the initial adjustment phase.

The convenient rechargeability options are some of the best on the market. These hearing aids will easily last a full day, and the charging case now holds five additional charges without needing to be plugged in. 

As for connectivity, you'll appreciate the Bluetooth option for phone calls and audio if you're an iPhone or compatible Android user. Signia is also future forward as far as the future Auracast roll out goes. Once the time comes, a firmware update will ensure your Styletto IX is ready to roll.

And speaking of connectivity, another nice perk comes with the Signia Assistant feature in the app. Think of this one like having a ‘portable audiologist’ with you on the go. For example, if you’re out at a friend’s wedding and need a boost, simply open your app and answer a few simple questions.

The app adjusts according to your responses, and they you can either keep those changes or revert back to your previous settings. I found this feature really intuitive to use, and liked how the questions get to the point effectively without any technical lingo.  

(Psst: Do you need a CROS hearing aid option? Signia's got that as well.)

Other Form Factors

The sound processing in the Styletto is available in three different form factors: behind-the-ear (BTE), traditional receiver-in-canal (RIC), and custom hearing aid options. That's one of the great things about Signia technology.

You'll have the same excellent processing technology available in different form factors.

Who is not best suited for the Styletto?

If you're leaning towards a hearing aid featuring a disposable battery option or if you have dexterity concerns that make handling smaller objects challenging (i.e., the narrow, slim RIC design), the Styletto might not be the best fit for you. Additionally, this device does not have any pushbuttons. But don't fret! Signia understands that everyone's needs are unique, and for this reason, they offer a broad range of hearing technology designed to cater to different preferences and needs.

Among their lineup, you'll find models that not only allow for the ease of using disposable batteries but also feature designs that are more accommodating for those with dexterity issues. Exploring other Signia options could lead you to a solution that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and hearing needs.

Personal Listening Notes And Wearing Observations

Okay so, let's get to the good stuff. My experience with Signia was positive overall. However, there are a few issues I experienced and you find more insights below.

The Fit

Overall, I found the Signia Styletto a comfortable fit in the ear. I wore the Styletto with a sleeve dome tip, which felt comfortable in my ear. The slim RIC design is also lightweight, and I had no issues with fit or comfort.

One aesthetic note here: I wore the black color and when wearing glasses with a dark-colored frame, these are nearly ‘invisible’ with this combo.

During the Day

When I wore my hearing aids at home, I noticed a crisp, sharp sound quality. I tried listening to many different sounds: paper crinkling, birds chirping, even a door slamming. No sounds felt uncomfortable for me. The hearing aids made their adjustments for the environments I was in without any noticeable ‘shifts’ as programs changed.

While on my computer, I placed a headset over my hearing aids and was pleased that I didn't experience any feedback. (Note: My hearing aids were set to mild hearing loss, more significant hearing losses could produce feedback.) 

One tip I learned here from the last time I tried the Styletto was about what to do when my phone began ringing in my ears despite being set to silent mode. After this experience, I found where to disable ringtones in my phone settings to prevent this from happening again.

Coffee Shop

I picked a local coffee shop to put this multiple beamforming feature to the test. The verdict? I found it was easier to follow conversation and required less listening effort. Of course, no hearing technology will completely eliminate background noise, but it was a noticeable difference to my ears. It’s essential to note here that background noise is dynamic, and your results may vary depending on the setting you’re in.

Streaming

I tried out a few different types of streaming, including podcasts and music. The sound quality for both was good. I did enjoy listening to music with these hearing aids. However, at times during my walk there was some intermittency with my left hearing aid cutting out. The Signia team suggested I place my cell phone in a front or back pocket toward the center of the body (rather than my right coat pocket). This adjustment fixed the issue. 

One point that impressed me was the smooth transitions from streaming audio to external microphones. While in my car, I connected my phone to my GPS which spoke the directions through the hearing aids. In between directions, the hearing aids returned to picking up sound from the car and road with smooth transitions.

Final Summary

In wrapping up my review of the Signia Styletto IX, I'd like to sum up my experience with a brief overview of the pros and cons, based on the technology's performance and my personal interaction with it.

Pros:

• Long Battery Life: The Styletto IX offers a commendable battery life that can easily last through a full day, with a charging case providing additional charges. This feature is particularly advantageous for users with active lifestyles.
• Connectivity: Its Bluetooth feature enhances user experience by facilitating phone calls and audio streaming for both iPhone and compatible Android users. The anticipation of Auracast compatibility through future firmware updates is an exciting prospect.
• Customizable Through App: The Signia Assistant app acts like a virtual audiologist, allowing for on-the-go adjustments. This feature is a standout, providing intuitive and personalized hearing aid tuning.
• Versatility in Design: Available in various form factors, the Styletto allows users to choose a design that best fits their preferences and needs.

Cons:

• Intermittency Issues: During my trial, I experienced some connectivity issues, particularly with the left hearing aid cutting out. However, in my experience, this is not specific to Signia and more of a Bluetooth issue.
• Not Suitable for Everyone: Those who prefer disposable batteries or have dexterity concerns might find the Styletto less accommodating. The device's small and sleek design, while aesthetically pleasing, may pose challenges for certain users.

Personal Experience:

Overall, my experience with the Signia Styletto IX was positive. From its discreet and stylish design to the high-quality sound and easy connectivity, it's clear that this hearing aid is designed with the modern user in mind. I particularly appreciated the versatility it offered, both in terms of physical design and customizable settings via the app. The issues I encountered, such as the occasional connectivity hiccup, were minor and did not detract significantly from my overall experience. The Styletto IX stands out for its combination of innovative features, user-focused design, and the promise of ongoing support through future technology updates.

In conclusion, the Signia Styletto IX represents a blend of form, function, and future-readiness, making it a compelling option for those looking to enhance their hearing experience without compromising on style or connectivity.