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 split-processing AX technology to help with background noise. The Styletto is their latest premium product which boasts a sleek 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.

Noteworthy Features

The Styletto has several noteworthy features that stand out from other models today. Aside from the sleek design, Signia's AX split processing is known for its smooth handling of background noise and motion sensor AI technology (pretty innovative, right?). Signia's Own Voice Processing (aka, 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. 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 holds four additional charges without needing to be plugged in. Finally, you'll appreciate the hands-free calling options if you're an iPhone user. (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 want a hearing aid with a disposable battery option or have dexterity concerns, there are better options than the Styletto. However, there will be other Signia options that can work here.

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 relatively lightweight, and I have no issues.

In the Office

When I wore the hearing aids into the office, I made several interesting observations. While doing an audiogram, I placed the 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 drawback presented itself unexpectedly. In the middle of a conversation, my phone began ringing in my ears despite being set to silent mode. Later on, I found where to disable ringtones in my phone settings to prevent this from happening again.

Streaming

I tried out a few different types of streaming, including podcasts and music. The sound quality for both was good. However, I did have some intermittency with my left hearing aid streaming 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.

The Checklist

Care 👩‍⚕️

• Type: Local provider (or hybrid telehealth after establishing care) 

Sound Quality Notes 🎵

• Overall: Sharp, crisp sound quality
• Music: Good sound quality when listening to audio streaming

Aesthetics ✨

• Size: The slim RIC design is a stylish option that patients love
• Colors:

Two-tone options: Black/fine gold, black/graphite, black/silver, cosmic blue/fine gold, blue/rose gold, blue/silver, white/fine gold, snow white/rose gold, snow white/silver

Solid color options: Beige, black, deep brown

Battery 🔋

• Type: Rechargeable only
• Length: 20 hours on a full charge (16 hours, including 5 hours of streaming)
• Charger type: Portable charger, wireless induction capable, or plugin Dry & Clean charger
• Wireless charging: Requires purchasing a Qi USB-C charging cable
  

Note: If you have earmolds, the portable charger is not recommended because the slim portable charger will not accommodate earmolds. Go with the larger desktop Dry & Clean charger.

Connection

• Bluetooth: Android and iPhones 
• Hands-free: For iOS
• Multiple devices: Yes
• Tap control: Yes
• Telecoil: N 

Dexterity 🤏

• Small parts: Requires high dexterity
• Push buttons available: No push buttons (you’ll use your phone or a remote to adjust the hearing aids)

Waterproof level 💦

• IP rating: IP68
• What that means: This hearing aid can withstand one meter of water depth for up to 30 minutes

App features 📲

• 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

Accessories 🎚

• Remote control: Yes
• Wearable mic: Yes
• TV streamer: Yes