Written by Lauren Hamer, Fortune Recommends Writer
Modern and sleek hearing aids have come a long way to help reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss and its health factors. (1) Undiagnosed mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, and yet, some people don’t want to wear hearing aids for fear they will “age” them in the eyes of their friends and family. (2) That’s why hearing aid companies like Signia are designing low-profile, nearly invisible hearing aids.
Our experts evaluated four Signia hearing aids, including the Signia Integrated Xperience (Signia IX). This new technology aims to enhance multiple conversations in noisy environments and is available in several of Signia’s most popular hearing aids. Improved listening experience aside, we especially like the brand’s ability to relieve tinnitus, and the rechargeable hearing aids have one of the longest battery lives in the industry.
Could these be the best hearing aids for you?
Our favorite Signia hearing aids
Signia Integrated Xperience is our top pick because it allows wearers to participate more easily in everyday conversations. The device pinpoints moving speakers automatically and packs valuable features like streaming and activity tracking into a small, elegant hearing aid.
Our picks for the best Signia hearing aids
Compare Signia hearing aids
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| Signia Integrated Xperience | Signia Styletto AX | Signia Pure | Signia Insio Charge&Go AX | Signia Active | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price | $2,398–$4,798 | $2,968–$5,445 | $2,398–$4,798 | $2,598–$4,598 | $2,698–$3,998 |
| Type (OTC or prescription) | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription |
| Style | Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), receiver-in-canal (RIC) | RIC | RIC | In-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) | ITE |
| Battery type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key product features
What you should know
Signia designs hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss, making it easy to find a device to meet your needs. Signia IX models are best for mild to profound hearing loss, and the IX technology is also available in devices for one-sided hearing loss. We recommend Signia hearing aids to anyone looking for natural, crisp sounds because of two key features: Own Voice Processing 2.0 and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.
- Split processing allows the hearing aids to process sound from all sides and automatically differentiate speech from noise. This is a huge improvement for hearing aid wearers in noisy environments because the microphone technology is more selective; it can detect sound coming from your front, back, and sides. This enhances conversation in scenarios like parties or while on the move.
- Signia IX hearing aids cost from $2,398 to $4,798, which is about the average cost of prescription hearing aids with advanced features like Bluetooth and sound enhancement.
- We recommend Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids for anyone looking for a custom hearing experience. Signia models allow enough customization options to fit a wide range of hearing needs, including tinnitus relief.
- Wearers can leverage Face Mask Mode to clarify sounds and more easily understand speech. To activate the feature, users can tap a button next to the volume control slider.
- Signia is one of only a few prescription hearing aid brands that offer activity tracking. The built-in motion sensors count the number of steps you take each day, your activity level, how much you use your hearing aids, and how much you socially interact with others.
Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids overview
Signia IX hearing aids are the latest, more improved version of Signia’s AX hearing aids. The Integrated Xperience enhances speech in group conversations and noisy environments.
Signia’s Own Voice Processing (OVP) technology reduces the amplification of your voice when speaking. Many people find their voices distracting when trying to process sound. (3) Signia Integrated Xperience models leverage OVP 2.0, the brand’s second iteration of the processing strategy, to help block this distraction and improve retention. This “RealTime Conversation Enhancement” feature is only available in some devices and performance levels, such as the Pure Charge&Go IX RIC model, Silk Charge&Go IX CIC model, Styletto IX model, and Insio IX IIC/CIC. If your budget allows, we recommend discussing this feature with your hearing care professional, as your inability to participate in conversations can begin to affect your social and mental well-being negatively. (4)
We like that Signia’s hearing aids can also track health insights using built-in motion sensors. The My WellBeing app is a simplified fitness tracker that calculates daily steps, activity, wear time, and conversational interactions. This is especially valuable to hearing aid wearers because research suggests using fitness trackers helps encourage and improve physical activity. (5) Even moderate physical activity like walking or gardening can improve quality of life, energy levels, and confidence. (6)
Hearing aids are an investment, and Signia products are no different. Remember, fit matters more than cost when evaluating effectiveness. Even the best, most expensive hearing aids won’t work unless they are suitably fit and programmed to your ear. We recommend purchasing Signia hearing aids from a local hearing care professional who can listen to your needs, suggest features best for your hearing loss and lifestyle, and fit them with an ear mold.
When comparing battery life, Signia IX hearing aids can last as long as a day and a half. The only hearing aid that has the potential to beat this wear time is the Genesis AI, one of the most popular Starkey hearing aids. Plus, the Signia IX chargers are magnetic, which is helpful for anyone with limited dexterity because the port is very forgiving when positioning the device to charge.
Specs
| Style | IIC, CIC, RIC |
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Prescription | Yes |
| Warranty | Two years |
| Financing | Varies by retailer |
| Dimensions | Depends on model |
What customers are saying
Signia has fewer online reviews than other brands, which made it harder for us to analyze customer experiences with the devices. On TrustPilot, Signia earned an average of 3.2 out of five stars from 40 reviews.
Positive reviews mention good customer service and how Signia’s devices have improved customer’s quality of life. “I own several models of Signia hearing aids from Charge and Go to Pure and find them exceptional for my SSD and Tinnitus. I couldn’t live without them,” says Kenneth R., TrustPilot.
There are a fair number of less-than-favorable reviews, and many mention issues with the tech features, including Bluetooth and app connectivity or the devices unexpectedly not working. “The hearing aids do not have full functionality with Android phones as claimed. Bluetooth drops in and out,” says Mike B., TrustPilot.
Who Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids are recommended for:
- People who have tinnitus: While tinnitus is not curable at the moment, Signia hearing aids for tinnitus may help combat your perception of it. Notched sound technology can alleviate tinnitus while also reducing negative side effects associated with the condition, such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. (7)
- Those with one-sided hearing loss: These devices are compatible with contralateral routing of signals (CROS) transmitters, which work like traditional hearing aids but only transmit sounds to the affected ear.
- Active wearers who frequent social settings: Signia’s Own Voice Processing 2.0 not only adjusts the sound of your voice but also helps you engage in more group conversations naturally. If you need to customize your settings quickly throughout the day, you can use Signia Assistant to adjust them in real-time with AI technology.
- Smartphone users who love Bluetooth and streaming capabilities: Only a few hearing aid brands offer a hands-free talking feature, and even fewer allow wearers to toggle the feature on and off according to their environment, as Signia does. For example, if you’re in a crowded setting where the caller would struggle to hear you, it may be better to talk directly into the phone (instead of via the hearing aid).
Who Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids are not recommended for:
- People who prefer to adjust hearing aids themselves. These days, most hearing aids allow users to adjust the settings and activate features remotely using an app. Those who prefer the more traditional method (adjusting sound settings with a button) don’t have many options through Signia. The only model that allows for onboard adjustments is the Signia Pure.
- Anyone who tends to lose their hearing aids. Shockingly, Signia’s long list of technology features does not include a “find my hearing aid” feature like many of its competitor brands. These hearing aids are small and discreet, which could make them harder to keep track of.
Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aid prices
The cost of Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids ranges from $2,398 to $4,798, depending on the features you choose and the location of the hearing aid professional you purchase them from. While you can customize the features in your Signia hearing aid, tinnitus capabilities, technology levels, activity tracking, and charging accessories will increase the overall cost.
The Signia IX hearing aid platform has three technology levels: 7IX, 5IX, and 3IX. The higher the number, the more realistic the sound and the bigger the price tag. For example, the 7IX can automatically detect and reduce echoes and process higher-pitched sounds, while the 5IX and 3IX cannot. When purchasing hearing aids, we recommend getting the best quality you can comfortably afford and always fitting them professionally.
How we rated Signia Integrated Xperience hearing aids
We score hearing aids based on the following criteria:
Performance: Sound quality, noise reduction, feedback control, programmability, and connectivity
Features: Durability, battery options, hearing loss range, wireless connectivity, water resistance, and safety features
Value: Insurance coverage and financing options
Customer experience: Shipping, warranty, and customer support
Where to buy Signia hearing aids
Though Signia devices require a prescription, you can buy many of their hearing aids online.
Signia also offers remote programming for their devices, allowing you to adjust or customize the hearing aids from your home as long as you have access to a smartphone. However, it’s important to remember hearing care professionals typically need to measure your hearing and evaluate your hearing loss in person to determine the best way to program the devices for you. Without this initial in-person fitting, you may not be satisfied with how your new hearing aids work.
We suggest working with your hearing professional to determine the features most beneficial for your hearing loss and lifestyle.
Warranties and Policies
Signia’s two year warranty covers the electrical components, casings, shells, battery doors, and battery covers of its hearing aids and CROS transmitters. The plan covers manufacturer defects and issues resulting from everyday use. Remote controls, chargers, and streaming devices are protected for one year. Wax guards and covers are not covered under warranties. You can contact the customer service team to purchase an optional extended warranty.
If you want to return your hearing aids, Signia will accept any CIC, ITE, RIC, or BTE device within 90 days of purchase if it is in good condition and has not been customized to your needs beyond the fitting. Signia will also remake custom shells for ITE/CIC and custom tips for up to three months to ensure you get the perfect, most comfortable fit.
Additional models from Signia
Signia makes several other hearing aids for people with mild to profound hearing loss, each offering the conversation enhancement and sound technology features the brand is known for.
Signia Styletto AX
Key product features
What you should know
- The Styletto AX charging case delivers power for four days without the need to charge the case.
- If you want the best, most advanced noise reduction and speech clarity improvements, you should opt for Signia’s IX model, which is considered a step up from its AX models.
- The Styletto model does not have onboard controls, so wearers must control the device remotely via the Signia App or the miniPocket accessory.
Recommended for:
- People who travel or spend time in groups: The Styletto hearing aids are somewhat pricey but might be worth it if you have an active lifestyle. Portable charging cases extend the wear time by several days.
- People with ear wax: The Dry&Clean charger will clean and dry the hearing aids in addition to charging them. This benefits people who are more likely to develop excessive earwax that can affect the hearing aid’s performance because of their ear canal shape, certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (8), and general hearing aid usage.
Signia Pure
Key product features
What you should know
- Only one Pure model has the IX technology (Pure Charge&Go IX); the other two models use Signia’s AX. Some wearers report a noticeable difference between the AX and IX technology, so experiment with different options during your fitting to determine what’s best for you.
- The Pure 10 Nx model is a good choice if you don’t own a smartphone but still want remote control access. It comes with a miniPocket accessory for adjusting the device.
- Signia Pure hearing aids are not available as BTE or custom ITE styles. If you want a device powered by a disposable battery or are opposed to an RIC style, you should opt for Signia IX models.
Recommended for:
- Wearers who believe battery life is important: The Pure models have a long battery life, even if you use Bluetooth connectivity functions frequently. These hearing aids deliver up to 35 hours of wearing time with one single charge, based on a day with five hours of streaming, the longest streaming time in the market.
- Someone who wants onboard control: Low-tech users might appreciate the ability to adjust the hearing aid using a button rather than an app. However, they can control the device via the Signia app or the miniPocket remote control if they want to.
Signia Insio Charge&Go AX
Key product features
What you should know
- You can choose between two different versions of Insio Charge&Go AX: one that sits in the ear (ITE) and one that sits even more discreetly in the canal (ITC).
- TV streaming is only available with its StreamLine TV accessory.
- Hands-free calling is not available with the Insio AX.
Recommended for:
- People with tinnitus: The Insio AX are great hearing aids for tinnitus thanks to features like static noise choices and notch therapy.
- Anyone wanting a custom fit: The Insio AX devices are specifically designed for a custom fit. Even though the device is tiny, there is no shortage of feature options.
Signia Active
Key product features
What you should know
- Directional microphones help reduce background noise, and dynamic processing helps you hear voices clearly from all directions.
- Bluetooth hearing aids let you listen to music, make phone calls, and watch TV more clearly.
- While these devices are built for Bluetooth and streaming, some reviewers mention that the small, earbud-like design makes them less effective in blocking noise from the outside world, which can be distracting.
- Signia Active X does not have device controls. It can be remotely controlled via the Signia app or a miniPocket accessory.
- Signia Active provides up to 26 hours of listening or 23 hours of listening with two hours of streaming. The portable charging case can provide up to three full charges.
Recommended for:
- People who are self-conscious about wearing hearing aids: Active hearing aids look more like conventional earbuds, which can help erase the stigma associated with hearing loss.
- Anyone who prefers in-the-canal style devices: IIC hearing aids are smaller and more discreet than behind-the-ear devices, which many consider cumbersome and off-putting in terms of look.
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Signia vs. competitors
We think the Widex SmartRIC™ hearing aid resembles Signia IX. Like Signia, Widex is known for its tinnitus features, and the costs are similar.
There are several key differences between Signia IX hearing aids and its competitors. Phonak’s comparable hearing aid, the Phonak Audéo™ Infinio, is larger and incompatible with CROS devices. If you’re looking for a comparable BTE model, consider the ReSound Omnia. If rechargeable batteries are not your preference, you may like the Starkey Genesis AI.
All brands leverage proprietary technology to improve sound quality. Discuss your options with your audiologist so they can make a professional recommendation based on your audiogram results. Most hearing care professionals let you try on several hearing aid models and styles during your fitting so you can choose one that feels the most comfortable and treats your type of hearing loss.
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| Signia Integrated Experience | Phonak Audéo™ Infinio | Starkey Genesis AI | ReSound Omnia | Widex SmartRIC™ | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price | $2,398–$4,798 | $3,998–$4,598 | $2,798–$4,798 | $2,990–$4,498 | $2,798–$4,598 |
| Type (OTC or prescription) | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription |
| Style | IIC, CIC, RIC | RIC | RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC | BTE | RIC |
| Battery type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable or disposable | Rechargeable or disposable | Rechargeable |
FAQs
What is the best Signia hearing aid?
Signia offers a wide range of hearing aids recommended by experts for their sound processing technology and design. The best hearing aids depend on your lifestyle, budget, type of hearing loss, and feature preferences. That said, Signia hearing aids offer something for everyone, and its most popular models are the Charge&Go and Signia Styletto.
Are Signia hearing aids good?
Based on our experience evaluating Signia hearing aids, we feel comfortable recommending their products to people with hearing loss. Signia is renowned globally for advanced and stylish hearing aids that help people hear sounds in real-life environments. We especially like Signia’s long battery life and smart AI programming technology.
What is the life expectancy of a Signia hearing aid?
Generally speaking, hearing aids can last three to seven years. Most experts recommend replacing them every four to five years to account for technology and feature upgrades that can improve your experience. Cleaning your hearing aids can also help them last longer. Hearing aids with wax buildup or excess moisture can irritate your ear and distort sound quality, so proper maintenance can help you avoid complications and hear better. (9)
Are Signia hearing aids covered by Medicare?
While Medicare coverage details can vary depending on your location and plan, (10) Medicare often covers a diagnostic exam to determine hearing loss. Search your state guidelines for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and hearing exams. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer additional hearing benefits, and Medicaid may be able to help people afford hearing aids in certain states. (11) A hearing care provider near you can help explain your coverage options and determine how to pay for hearing aids.
Our experts
Dr. Swathi Varanasi
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Carleton College. She co-founded and was the first-ever healthcare professional in the US to complete postdoctoral residency training in integrative medicine and preventative health. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Lauren Hamer
Fortune Recommend Writer
About Author
References
- Wallhagen M. The stigma of hearing loss. The Gerontologist, 2010; 50(1), 66–75. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904535/
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Accessed October 8, 2024.
- Kimura, M., & Yotsumoto, Y. (2018). Auditory traits of “own voice”. PloS one. 2018; 13(6), e0199443. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6019673/
- Podury, A., Jiam, N. T., Kim, M., Donnenfield, J. I., & Dhand, A. Hearing and sociality: the implications of hearing loss on social life. Frontiers in neuroscience. 2023; 17, 1245434. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10579609/
- Sun Tang, M. S., Moore, K., McGavigan, A., Clark, R. A., & Ganesan, A. N. Effectiveness of Wearable Trackers on Physical Activity in Healthy Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR MHealth and UHealth. 2020; 8(7). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7407266/
- Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Accessed October 7, 2024
- Huang, B., Wang, X., Wei, F., Sun, Q., Sun, J., Liang, Y., Chen, H., Zhuang, H., & Xiong, G. Notched Sound Alleviates Tinnitus by Reorganization Emotional Center. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2021; 15: 762492. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8832119/
- GoodRX. Why Do I Have So Much Earwax? 5 Things That Could Be Causing Your Earwax Buildup. Accessed October 8, 2024.
- Orji, F. T., O Onyero, E., & Agbo, C. E. The clinical implications of ear canal debris in hearing aid users. Pakistan journal of medical sciences. 2014; 30(3), 483–487. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4048490/
- Medicare.gov. Hearing aids. Accessed October 7, 2024.
- Hearing Loss Association of America. Financial Assistance. Accessed October 7, 2024..