A lot of hearing aid brands blend together. It's something I learned early in my search. Signia, however, does a lot to stand out.
I often try to imagine what car brand each hearing aid would match. Eargo gets Tesla, Phonak gets Range Rover. Signia makes me think of BMW (partially due to its German roots).
Signia hearing aids have the most extended battery life in the industry and unique form factors that make it stand out from the crowd. 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.
In this article, I'll give you the backstory of the Signia brand (and its German roots), the latest Signia technology, pricing, and more. Jump in the Rover, and let's get into it.
About Signia (Formerly Siemens)
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.
Let’s go back to the beginning and take a look at Signia’s founder, German inventor Werner von Siemens. Siemens was a prolific inventor—one of his earlier known achievements was a new telephone type that used horseshoe magnets—and by 1913, he designed a hearing aid.
Jumping to the 1920s and 1930s, Siemens began growing a hearing aid business. Flash forward to the 1960s, Siemens introduced the first in-the-ear hearing aid and began rapidly expanding the brand through products, acquisitions, and technology.
On this track, the company became a leading hearing aid brand by the 1990s. Siemens Audiology Solutions was purchased in 2015 by Sivantos and later renamed to Signia.
If you have some prior knowledge about Signia, you may already be aware that in 2019 Widex and the Sivantos merged to create a new entity: WS Audiology. Currently, one of the WS Audiology brands—including Signia, Widex, and Rexton—manufacture 1 in 3 hearing aids worldwide.
Signia Hearing Aids
Like most hearing aid brands out there, Signia releases a new product every few years. And similar to other brands, each new line incorporates new features and leading tech. To start, we’ll look at the Signia flagship.
Most Popular: Signia Pure Charge&Go AX
Since its release in May 2021, the Signia Pure Charge&Go AX has become one of the much-loved (and quite popular) hearing aids across the globe. What makes it such a fan favorite? The hearing aid incorporates hands-free calling for iPhone users and audio streaming on Android phones.
Now, let’s talk about size. Pure Charge&Go AX is perhaps one of the smallest behind-the-ear devices available to consumers worldwide. That’s not all: The device’s battery charge is extremely impressive as it holds a 40-hour charge, to boot.
So, what’s the technology behind this device? To start, Pure Charge&Go AX limits background noise (it utilizes motion detection to do so and gather information on the user’s surroundings) as the wearer moves from one area or activity to the next. Which means, the hearing device can sense when a wearer is sitting down or moving, and therefore, the hearing aid makes choices based on the setting.
If you experience single-sided deafness, Signia also offers CROS functionality. For example, CROS quickly passes sound from one side of your head to your ear with better hearing.
Additional Innovative Form Factors
There’s more on tap from Signia. Besides their behind-the-ear hearing aid design, the brand also has four uniquely designed form factors (which have won the brand several design awards globally, too).
In The Ear With Bluetooth and Rechargeable Batteries: Signia Insio Charge&Go AX
Say hello to the Insio Charge&Go AX, a custom-molded device that is the sibling to the popular behind the ear model. The hearing aid also uses the same underlying technology and dual processing but comes in a small, earbud-like custom molded form. That being said, the custom device has 20 hours of built-in battery life and allows phone and music streaming from both iPhone and Android models.
A Hearing Aid Inspired By Style: Signia Styletto X
Style and fashion collide with the Styletto X model. This product has a unique design for the hearing health category—with a sleek device that looks more like a tech gadget than a medical device—and it’s a big favorite among style-seeking customers. Styletto mingles fashion-led design with all of the important features you need, like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeability, and clear speech in background noise.
Invisible Hearing Aids Without a Custom Mold: Signia Silk X
If you’re considering an invisible hearing aid, this is the ticket. As the majority of audiologist-prescribed invisible hearing aids do in fact require a custom ear imprint, this device breaks the mold with its design and tech. The Signia Silk X utilizes Click Sleeves to match the size of the wearer’s ear canal in order to make the device ready to wear. Which means, the Click Sleeves majorly decreases costs and waiting time.
One Part Headphones, One Part Hearing Aids: Signia Active X
Typically, hearing aids are designed and intended to wear throughout the day. The Active X thinks outside of the box in that sense: It’s a hearing aid that is part bluetooth headphone with all the sound quality of a hearing aid (pretty cool, huh?). So, this device is meant to be worn a la a Bluetooth headset and can be put in at any point when you need additional acoustics support.
Overarching Notes on Signia’s Technology
Signia’s offerings are both impressive, state-of-the-art, and varied. With many options to choose from and research deeper (based on your lifestyle), there’s something for everyone.
Choosing Signia Products
Signia has a full range of hearing aids and devices, from a chic invisible style to a sleek behind-the-ear product. But, which one is right for you and your health goals? Let’s take a look below.
In order to consider a style (for you), browse the varying technology levels that could potentially suit your needs.
- Signia Pure Charge&Go 7AX is the top premium technology level available, which includes a complete set of sound processing features, including motion detection, speech focus, and 48 channels of customization. Do you often travel or spend time in groups? This top-end level will match your lifestyle. Note: This top tier model will have higher costs than the other two levels below.
- Signia Pure Charge&Go 5AX is the second technology level on deck and has many of the core features on tap. This is to say that the 5AX has 32 customizable channels (for your audiologist), but it does lose some functionality to process high-frequency sounds. If you tend to socialize (or work) with mid-sized groups outside and at home, this device is a solid option.
- Signia Pure Charge&Go 3AX is the third and final technology level available and also has many of the core features available. So, you can find that the 3AX has 24 channels to customize, but it does not offer the highest level of speech focus (which can be tricky if you work in groups). If you spend most of your time at home or in small social settings (think, one-to-one groups or meetings), this hearing aid is for you.
Purchasing Signia Hearing Aids
Signia hearing aids are mainly sold via a local audiologist and licensed virtual providers. Ahead are the purchasing options for Signia.
1. Find a local audiologist.
Use the internet to find a provider that can address your specific health goals, concerns, and lifestyle needs. Once you have an appointment, the health care professional will guide you through the entire process which includes a hearing test with product recommendations. Now, what about costs? You can most likely expect to pay around $5,000 to $7,000 dollars depending on the level of tech you choose. Don’t forget to double check with your audiologist that they are comfortable working with Signia products.
2. Get a pre-negotiated price via a network.
There’s another solid—and cost saving—option for purchasing hearing aids: Many national networks providers that can offer lower costs at approximately 25 to 40 percent cheaper. The professionals likely work with medical providers and clinics you can find online, which will lower the cost before your initial visit. Want to compare pricing? Check out this link.
Signia Hearing Aid Costs
Like Phonak, ReSound, and Oticon, Signia is a big player on the same level as these competitors. Therefore, their hearing aid prices are in range with these top audiology brands. Let’s say you call a local audiologist directly, your cost could typically vary from $5,000 - $7,500 for a pair depending on the technology level you choose. But, if you work with a care network you'll save 25%-40% through pre-negotiated rates on the same similar services.
Curious? Below are some sample prices for Signia.
Signia AX - Most Popular Style
Signia Pure Charge&Go 7AX Price Per Pair - $4,400
Signia Pure Charge&Go 5AX Price Per Pair - $3,700
Signia Pure Charge&Go 3AX Price Per Pair - $3,300
Signia Styletto - Fashion Inspired
Signia Styletto 7X Price Per Pair - $4,450
Signia Styletto 5X Price Per Pair - $4,150
Signia Styletto 3X Price Per Pair - $3,850
Signia Silk - Invisible Style
Signia Silk 7X Price Per Pair - $4,400
Signia Reviews
Signia gets 4.5/5 for their products across user review sites. After thoroughly combing through user insights and reviews, it is obvious that the product size was a big hit, and most hearing aid users felt that the devices were durable and dependable.
Signia Pure Charge&Go AX Customer Reviews
My Signia hearing aids have exceeded my expectations. They are comfortable and almost invisible since they sit neatly at the top of the ear. They are a bit pricey but well worth the value.
- Randy
Sound quality with CROS configuration is excellent. I have no trouble determining sound source. Streaming is easy to control so that phone calls can be answered.
- Jack
Pros: Smaller than I expected and fit well. Easy to charge and easy to remove from charger. Cons: Crackling in both units and both have gone off for no reason. Going back and change companies.
- Keith
They are smaller than I expected, the sound is excellent, and they can be programmed for different hearing situations. I had no idea what I was missing until I wore them for the first week.
- Deborah
I feel I picked a quality product that will serve me for many years.
- Cheryl
Signia Styletto Customer Reviews
Comfortable, work better than any others I've tried. Adjust through app to different environments which increases effectiveness, aim toward direction speech is coming from.
- Terry
If feels good not to have to work so hard at hearing. The Styletto aids are easy to use and the sound is perfect.
- Darlene
The sound quality is generally good, as I am hearing sounds that have ben missing over the last several years. However, there is an annoying wind noise when I am outside on a breezy day. I really like the fact that these hearing aids are rechargeable. Just pop them in a recharging case overnight and they are good for an entire day.
- Gary
I am very satisfied with my new Signia Styletto hearing aids. The sound quality is great and love the options and adjustments I can make. The only con is the design is a little longer and took a little time to get used to, now I forget that I have them on.
- Rich
Signia Silk Invisible Hearing Aid Customer Reviews
I was so surprised at how almost invisible hearing aids are now. Gone are the days where everyone knew you had hearing aids because they were so big and noticeable.
- Barbara
The sound quality of these hearing aids is excellent. I love the go in the ear type of hearing aid. They slide in and out of your ears very easily and once in, you are not even aware they are there.
- Ann
My voice feels like in a tin can but the hearing specialist said this is normal and I'll adjust. I can certainly hear better though.
- Paul
I have had a problem with previous, non-mold, inexpensive units from other manufactures. I purchased the base Signia silk aid, and I believe it is worth the cost and would recommend it to others.
- John
Very comfortable for being non molded to your own ear. Too much background noise that is not filtered.
- Bob
I am so impressed with the sound and clarity of my new Signia Silk hearing aids. The aids fit directly in my ear canal, so they are totally invisible to all.
- Mitch
Comparing Signia with Oticon, ReSound, Starkey Widex and Phonak
Signia is rather close to so many other leading hearing aid manufacturers out there today, but what makes them different?
As of right now, Signia Pure Charge&Go is the smallest behind-the-ear style hearing aid available. It stands out for a strong 36 hour battery life motion detection technology and fitness tracking. Additionally, Signia’s non-molded invisible hearing aid (Signia Silk) is an aesthetic-leaning hearing aid that looks stylish and mimics a tech product in its appearance.
If you self-describe as an active person (or aspire to be one soon), you will be happy with Signia products.