Signia Hearing Aids Review 2024: Multiple Solutions for High-Level Hearing Loss, Tested By Experts

Signia

3.9/5

• Treats mild to profound hearing loss
• Multiple different styles are available
• Some models can treat one-sided hearing loss

Phone : 1-866-867-9856

3.9/5

Key Takeaways

• Signia prescription hearing aids treat mild to profound hearing loss in several different styles and cost $1,540–$5,945 per pair.
• Several models offer treatment options for one-sided hearing loss and tinnitus.
• You must receive a professional evaluation at a hearing care clinic to purchase Signia hearing aids.

Are you diagnosed with hearing loss? If so, don’t wait to address it. Far from merely being a reason to turn the TV or radio up louder or ask people to speak up and repeat things to you, your hearing ability plays an important role in your overall physical health, mental health, and social health. Hearing ability keeps us engaged with our communities, family, and friends, which in turn supports our brain function and decreases the risk of dementia, according to a 2019 study.¹

If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you may be able to address it with an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid. But if you have severe or profound hearing loss, or a condition underlying your hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend a prescription device, like a Signia hearing aid. This brand offers multiple styles and levels of technology, including Bluetooth streaming, that can address your hearing loss. Select Signia hearing aids even offer a way to track your social-engagement rates and physical activity, like steps per day, to make sure you’re staying on top of your health.

This Signia hearing aids review takes a closer look at each model and its technology, and our Reviews Team’s experience hands-testing Signia hearing aids. We hope the information below helps you make an informed decision as you search for a hearing loss solution.

An introduction to Signia models

Signia has seven prescription hearing aid models, each with its own characteristics to meet different users’ needs. Within each model are different technology levels that determine the number of features and sound processing quality in your device. It may also influence the price, with higher technology levels costing more than lower technology levels.

• Styletto: Slim receiver-in-ear (RIC) design for discreet wear
• Insio: Custom in-the-canal (ITC) style for mild to profound hearing loss
• Active: Earbud-like design for on-the-go wear
• Silk: The smallest Signia model with the most discreet fit
• Pure: Disposable and rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) options for everyday use
• Motion: Powerful technology packed into three behind-the-ear (BTE) styles that treat mild to profound hearing loss
• Intuis 3: Comfort and proven technology join forces in a range of styles in various BTE, RIC, and ITE (in-the-ear) models.

Some models, like the Styletto and the Pure, are available in two primary technology platforms:

• Xperience (X): This platform offers speech and sound clarity, especially during motion. You’ll be able to follow conversations more easily and identify important noises when you’re out and about, like the sounds of traffic when crossing a street or going for a run.
• Augmented Xperience (AX): This is an upgraded version of the X platform. AX technology processes speech and background noise separately, resulting in better speech understanding in busy environments while keeping you aware of other noises that may demand your attention.

Learn more about the differences between the X and AX technology platforms after we discuss the different models.

Signia also offers the Nx technology platform for select Insio and Motion models. A predecessor to the X platform, Nx technology enhances the natural sound of your own and other people’s voices, even in loud and challenging environments. It is also the only Signia model with custom completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) styles, but because it’s an older technology platform, our Reviews Team decided not to cover Nx hearing aids in this review. But if your local audiologist still offers them, you can ask for more information to find out if they’re appropriate for you.

Why you can trust our expert review

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services that we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with audiologists
• Mystery shopped 18 brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

Why Signia is one of our top picks

Our Reviews Team awarded the Signia Silk X model with “Best for Natural Sound” in our best hearing aids roundup in recognition of the X platform’s ability to clearly process audio in crowded environments and improve the sound of the user’s own voice.

Signia also differentiates itself from other hearing aid brands by offering multiple models, styles, and colors that cater to the user’s preferences and hearing needs. Compared to other prescription brands like Starkey, Signia offers more models that treat up to profound hearing loss. But the technology treating severe to profound hearing loss comes at a price. These hearing aids cost thousands of dollars more than the best over-the-counter (OTC) options that are listed between $99–$2,998 per pair. Continue reading to learn how Signia uses advanced sound processing to provide a natural listening experience.

Pros and cons of Signia hearing aids

Table 1 Comparison table of Signia models, as of May 2023

Signia hearing aids review

Styletto

• Cost per pair: $1,540–$5,445
• Styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to severe
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes

Signia’s newest model, the Styletto, is a unique slim RIC style that fits discreetly behind the ear. Unlike other RIC styles that have a bulky body sitting behind the ear, this award-winning design elongates the body of the hearing aid for a low-profile appearance. You can purchase these with either the X or AX platform, although the AX is the more updated version and has better sound clarity, improved background noise management, and more customization, with 12 different color options.

Styletto AX hearing aids hold 17–20 hours of battery life per charge, depending on the amount of time you use the Bluetooth streaming. If you need to charge on the go, each pair comes with a portable charging case that holds four days’ worth of charge. And when you need to recharge the charger itself, you can place it on its charging pad, which replenishes battery life through contact instead of a wire.

You can also opt for the Dry&Clean charger, which cleans and dries your hearing aids to remove moisture and bacteria, maximizing the lifespan of your devices while it charges them. The Dry&Clean is not portable, so you’ll need to keep it plugged into an outlet while charging.

Styletto X hearing aids have technology that also clarifies speech and sound, but the technology is less advanced than the AX platform, resulting in lower-quality sound. These hearing aids have a slightly shorter battery life than the Styletto AX, with 16–19 hours per charge, depending on Bluetooth streaming time. They come with the same portable charging case that holds up to four days of charge, but you don’t have the Dry&Clean charger option for this model.

Neither the Styletto AX nor X hearing aids have manual controls on the hearing aid body, unlike other devices with manual buttons or dials to adjust sound settings. All of the adjustment controls are located in the Signia app, which you can download on iPhone or Android phones, or you can purchase the miniPocket accessory, which works as a remote control for your hearing aids.

Styletto

3.9/5

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Pure

• Cost per pair: $1,540–$5,445
• Styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
• Battery type: Rechargeable or disposable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes

The Signia Pure model is also available in both AX and X platforms. But unlike the Styletto, the Pure comes in a rechargeable or disposable battery option. You also have the choice between 10 different colors to personalize your device.

Pure 312

The Signia Pure 312 AX and X platforms are both powered by disposable size 312 zinc-air batteries with a four-day run time. Some users prefer the long disposable battery life over daily charging, as well as not having to go without your hearing aids while they charge, as long as you’re prepared to continue purchasing batteries to keep your hearing aids functioning.

A pack of 60 size 312 zinc-air batteries costs $10–$30 on Amazon, depending on the brand and retailer, which should last you about 120 days if you replace two hearing aid batteries every four days.

Pure Charge&Go

The Signia Pure Charge&Go AX and X platforms both use rechargeable batteries with a 36-hour battery life on a single charge, including five hours of Bluetooth streaming. They come with a standard charger that must be plugged into an outlet while in use, or a portable charger that holds up to three full on-the-go charges before its own battery needs to be recharged.

Unlike the Styletto version, the portable charger for the Pure Charge&Go must be plugged into an outlet to recharge, as it doesn’t have the option for a wireless charging pad. But you do have the option of adding a Dry&Clean charger to help prolong the life of your hearing aids, just like the Styletto version. The Pure Charge&Go takes about three to four hours to charge fully, whether you use the standard or portable charger.

All Pure models come with a telecoil ⓘA telecoil is a small copper wire (similar to a receiver) built into a hearing aid that allows you to connect to a phone or loop system to bring audio directly to you. Loop systems are commonly found in public facilities, like theaters, places of worship, and on public transportation. option except the Pure Charge&Go T AX, as it’s already included in the device. The only other Signia model with a telecoil option is the Motion.

Unlike the Styletto model, all Pure models have a rocker switch on the body of the device to manually adjust sound. But you will need to use the Signia app for access to the other features specific to your hearing aid technology platform.

Pure

3.9/5

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Insio Charge&Go AX

• Cost per pair: $2,040–$5,945 per pair
• Styles: In-the-ear (ITE) and ITC
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes

Slightly more expensive than the Pure, the Signia Insio Charge&Go is available in the AX platform as a rechargeable hearing aid. It’s also available in a disposable battery version using the Nx platform in ITE, ITC, CIC, and IIC styles, but you’ll need to confirm your hearing aid provider carries it.

These hearing aids come in six skin-tone colors and two custom styles, ITE and ITC, which are made by your hearing care professional using earmold impressions to fit your unique ear shape. Its award-winning design fits AX technology like Bluetooth streaming and artificial intelligence into a discreet size—no easy feat considering the physical space this hardware requires within a hearing device.

Insio Charge&Go AX hearing aids hold 20–24 hours of charge, depending on Bluetooth usage, and come with their own charging case. The case isn’t portable, so it must be plugged into an outlet to function.

Although the Insio Charge&Go hearing aids use the AX platform, they do exclude one feature: Own Voice Processing. On other AX platform-compatible hearing aids, this feature improves the natural sound of your own voice as you talk.

You can make sound adjustments to the Insio Charge&Go by using the Signia app or by purchasing the miniPocket remote control. Your hearing care specialist can also program the manual button on your hearing aid to control volume and to switch between preset settings.

Insio Charge&Go AX

3.9/5

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Silk X

• Cost per pair: $1,540–$5,445
• Styles: CIC
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Battery type: Disposable
• Bluetooth streaming: No

Signia Silk hearing aids are the brand’s smallest device—they’re only available in the X platform and only in the small CIC style, with black or brown faceplate color options. This is the only Signia hearing aid without a rechargeable option, using size 10 zinc-air disposable batteries instead.

While Insio hearing aids are custom-made, the Silk X is not, which can make it harder to get a proper fit for some people. To avoid this problem, Signia includes four different sizes of silicone sleeves that snap onto the part of the hearing aid that fits in your ear so you can easily try different sleeves to find the most comfortable size. Another way to tell if a sleeve fits your ear properly is by paying attention to any squealing or whistling feedback noise, which happens when sound waves escape the ear canal and re-enter the microphone on the outside of the hearing aid. A well-fitting device will sit snugly in your ear canal and direct sound waves into your ear without feedback, even when you move around.

Although the Silk X doesn’t have Bluetooth music and TV streaming, it has Twin Phone functionality. This feature picks up sound signals from your phone and sends it automatically to your other ear so you can hear the conversation through both hearing aids. And you can still connect via Bluetooth to your Signia app for sound adjustments. It’s also compatible with the miniPocket remote if you’d rather not rely on your smartphone, but you’ll need to use one or the other to maximize your hearing aids’ full potential, as these hearing aids do not have installed manual controls.

If you’re considering Signia Silk X, take extra care around moisture. These are the only Signia hearing aids that are not water resistant, so they’re susceptible to damage from moisture, including excess sweat. All other Signia hearing aids have an Ingress Protection Rating ⓘA protection rating against solids (like dust) and water. of IP68, which means they can survive 30-minute water submersion in a five-foot depth and withstand dust and debris. The Silk X doesn’t have a Dry&Clean charger to help remove moisture, but you can buy dehumidifier storage containers on Amazon starting around $20–$30.

Our Reviews Team had the opportunity to test the Silk X. We have four key takeaways for potential buyers:

• When your hearing aids need battery replacement, an alert signal will sound and your audio will become weaker. Sometimes the alert isn’t audible, so you must pay attention to sound levels to determine when you need to change your batteries.
• The size 10 batteries are small and difficult to handle during replacement.
• The Silk X devices are durable to wear and tear. After dropping the hearing aids 10 times from more than seven feet high, there was no detectable damage.
• Our hearing aid package did not include wax guards ⓘWax guards prevent ear wax buildup in the hearing aid receiver. Excessive ear wax will clog the receiver and block sound waves from entering your ear., and we were not provided with all of the cleaning supplies needed for proper care. We also found the silicone sleeves difficult to change.

If you have dexterity issues from conditions like arthritis in your hands and fingers, Silk X hearing aids may be difficult to use. Consider a rechargeable hearing aid to avoid battery replacements, and ask your audiologist for advice on which hearing aids are easiest to care for.

Silk X

3.9/5

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Active X

• Cost per pair: $2,530–$5,445
• Styles: ITC
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes

Active ITC hearing aids are one of the most expensive models in this Signia hearing aids review. They’re available in the X platform, also known as Active Pro. They come in three modern color schemes and hide in plain sight, appearing as wireless earbuds to any onlooker. They behave like earbuds, too, allowing you to stream music and take hands-free calls using Bluetooth connectivity.

These hearing aids hold 23–26 hours of charge, depending on Bluetooth streaming time. They come with a portable charging case that lasts up to three days before it needs to have its own battery replenished. You can recharge the charging case on a wireless pad, just like the Styletto’s portable charging case.

The Active X is not custom-made to fit your ear precisely. Signia includes four silicone sleeves of different sizes to choose from so you and your hearing care professional can try them all to find the size that fits your ears best and is the most comfortable. Like the Silk X, you will need to pay attention to any squealing or whistling feedback noise, which indicates a poorly fitting hearing aid.

Active X hearing aids rely on the Signia app for sound adjustments, so you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable using your smartphone and navigating the app before purchasing these hearing aids.

The Signia Active is a lower-tech version of the Active X. It offers basic functionality with sound and speech clarity, but without many of the sound-processing perks. The Active is now outdated, so you may not find it at every retailer. The Signia website no longer advertises it.

The Reviews Team tested the Signia Active hearing aid and noted a few key takeaways:

• Connecting the hearing aids to Bluetooth took about five minutes. This is longer than other brands like Resound or Starkey, which took two and three minutes, respectively.
• It took two tries to connect the hearing aids to the Signia app. Of the multiple brands and models we tested, this was the only hearing aid that did not connect the first time. But once connected, volume adjustments were simple.
• The Active devices are durable and resist wear and tear. After dropping the hearing aids 10 times from more than seven feet high, there was no detectable damage.
• Active hearing aids will alert you with a sound when their power level reaches one-and-a-half hours of remaining power. They will continue signaling every 20 minutes until they power off.

If you’d like to stream audio using Bluetooth, these hearing aids may not be the best option considering the difficulty our Reviews Team had with connectivity during testing.

Active X

3.9/5

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Motion X

• Cost per pair: $2,040–$5,945
• Styles: BTE
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes

The Signia Motion Charge&Go BTE hearing aid is the most expensive model in this Signia hearing aids review. It’s available only on the X platform, but it offers three levels of power: standard, power (P), and super power (SP). Motion’s P and SP levels treat mild to profound hearing loss and offer telecoil and a long battery life. You also get to choose between 10 different colors.

The Motion Charge&Go SP X hearing aid has the longest battery life of all the Signia hearing aids our Reviews Team researched. You get up to 61 hours of use—that’s more than two-and-a-half days or power before needing to recharge. The Motion P X lasts about 30 hours, and the standard Motion X lasts about 24 hours. If you plan to stream Bluetooth for at least five hours each day, subtract three to four hours from your battery life on any model.

Motion X hearing aids have manual controls on the device’s body, similar to the Pure’s rocker switch. You can use the manual switch to adjust sound, or you can use the Signia app or miniPocket remote control to make sound adjustments.

Motion X

3.9/5

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Intuis 3

Cost per pair: Pricing varies

Styles: ITE, BTE, RIC

Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound

Battery type: Disposable

Bluetooth streaming: No

The Signia Intuis 3 family comes in various styles designed for mild to severe hearing loss. The Intuis 3 RIC 312 offers a great value, four BTE models (S, M, P, and SP) deliver a snug fit, two Click ITE models (CIC and ITC) sit discreetly in the ear with an instant fit, and three customized ITE models (CIC, ITC, and ITE) are discreet and tailormade.

The BTE model features include directional microphones for better sound focus, push buttons and/or rocker switches for easy program changes, program and volume control from your smartphone via the Signia app, moisture, sweat, and dirt resistance, telecoil function for sound clarity, and quick-change battery doors.

The Click CIC and ITE models include microphone ports for amplified, clearer sound, easy battery exchange functionality, handy removal cords, a vent to promote air circulation in your ear, and quick-fit sleeves in three sizes. Like the BTE models, these styles also offer convenient program and volume control from the Signia smartphone app. Plus, the three Click ITEs offer tailormade discretion to support the anatomy of your ear, while targeting your specific hearing loss, for a more personalized hearing experience.

Intuis 3

3.9/5

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The CROS system and one-sided hearing loss

More than 7% of the American adult population have one-sided hearing loss, according to a 2017 study.² Contralateral routing of signal (CROS) and bilateral contralateral routing of signal (BiCROS) technology help treat one-sided or asymmetrical hearing loss when traditional hearing aids are not appropriate.

We asked Ruth Reisman, an audiologist and co-founder of Urban Hearing in Brooklyn, New York, to explain how CROS systems work. A person wears a transmitter on the ear with hearing loss, or the affected side. The hearing aid receiver goes on the ear without hearing loss, or the unaffected side. The transmitter on the affected ear sends incoming sound to the hearing aid receiver in the unaffected ear, allowing the wearer to hear audio that’s taking place on the affected side.

Some people have hearing loss in both ears, but with one side more affected than the other. This is also called asymmetrical hearing loss. In this case, Dr. Reisman explained that hearing aid users may benefit from a BiCROS system, where the transmitter is placed on the most affected side while the hearing aid and receiver are placed on the less affected side with amplification.

CROS systems are effective in improving speech understanding, even in environments with background noise. But according to research, CROS systems are not very effective in improving your ability to locate where the sound is coming from, so CROS users should stay aware of their surroundings at all times.³

Signia offers CROS and BiCROS solutions through select hearing aid models:

• Styletto AX
• Pure Charge&Go T AX and X
• Pure 312 X and AX
• Silk X

Each system is $1,925 for the transmitter, plus the cost of a single hearing aid for the opposite ear.

The difference between AX and X technology platforms

Each Signia model’s features are dictated by the technology platform it uses. The two main platforms are the X and AX platforms, and each one offers a different set of features. Some hearing aids only support the X platform, while others support the more advanced AX platform. Note that features also vary between technology levels. In this section we’ll be discussing the highest technology level available with all of the features.

The AX technology platform

The Signia AX platform is the most advanced technology offered by Signia. This platform is available in the Styletto, Pure, and Insio Charge&Go hearing aids.

The trademarked Augmented Focus technology is its top feature, which uses two pathways to process sound: one for speech and the other for background noise. By separating the sounds, you’re better able to hear clear speech while still staying aware of other sounds that may require your attention rather than filtering them out.

Signia uses two sound processing techniques in particular that support Augmented Focus:

• Soundscape Processing: Automatically calculates the right amount of speech sounds and ambient noise to provide the best listening experience for you.
• eWindScreen: Prevents wind noise from muffling other sounds. This is a helpful feature for reducing the impact of wind noise on sound processing while the user is walking or running, sitting outdoors, or driving with the window down.

The AX platform also offers other key features that enhance sound:

• Automatic situation detection: Automatically adjusts your sound settings as you move between environments, minimizing the need to manually adjust sound during your day.
• Auto EchoShield: Filters echoes to make sounds more crisp, like the sound of voices or snapping your fingers.
• Own Voice Processing: Improves the natural sound of your own voice as you talk and tracks how much you engage in conversation. Not available for Insio Charge&Go hearing aid models.
• My WellBeing: Detects your motion and hearing aid use with built-in sensors. Information about your step count, exercise time, and device-wearing patterns is sent to your smartphone’s Signia app so you can track it all on your app dashboard. You’ll also be able to use the My WellBeing feature to view conversation tracking from the Own Voice Processing feature.
• HandsFree calls: Allows you to take phone calls through your hearing aids. This feature is only available for iPhones. If you have an Android device, you will need to purchase a StreamLine Mic to connect to your hearing aids and stream calls.

All AX-compatible hearing aids have access to the Signia app on iPhone and Android devices. Jump down to the Signia app section to learn more about Signia Assistant and TeleCare, two assistance features that help troubleshoot and resolve sound issues.

The X technology platform

The Signia X platform is the predecessor of the AX, so it has some of the same (but less advanced) features. This platform is available in Motion, Pure, Styletto, and Silk hearing aids.

The X platform’s main focus is to adapt to real-life listening situations like conversations. Its devices have built-in acoustic sensors that can adjust your settings to hear sounds moving around you, not just in front of you. It also has motion sensors that can detect new situations. For example, if you’ve just left your car and you’re walking through a parking lot, your settings will adjust to account for the new movement and subsequent noise.

Just like the AX platform, the X platform also offers:

• Soundscape Processing
• Own Voice Processing

Unfortunately, the Own Voice Processing feature does not collect data on your conversations and engagement because it doesn’t offer My WellBeing. You also won’t get activity tracking.

The X platform supports Bluetooth streaming, but it doesn’t support hands-free calling from the iPhone. All X-platform devices can connect to iPhone and Android smartphones for access to the Signia app and its assistance features, which we will discuss later.

About Signia

Signia, previously known as Siemens or Sivantos, was founded in Germany in the early 1900s. It has since become a U.S.-based company selling prescription hearing aids manufactured by WS Audiology A/S. This is the same manufacturer that develops other well-known hearing aid brands like Widex, Rexton, and Sony.

Signia differentiates itself by developing industry-leading and award-winning products. For example, both Styletto and Insio models won innovation awards from the Consumer Technology Association’s trade show for their combination of design and advanced sound processing technology. It’s also the first brand to produce the slim RIC design—only one other brand, Phonak, offers this unique style.

Because Signia produces prescription devices, you won’t find a lot of information online about its product pricing. Prices for over-the-counter devices are easier to find since they can be bought through brand websites or local retailers, but an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist must order your prescription hearing aids, and costs can vary depending on the retailer.

How much do Signia hearing aids cost?

Signia hearing aids cost between $1,540–$5,945 per pair. Technology levels, which determine how many sound adjustment features your hearing aids have, are the biggest cost factor—higher technology levels have higher prices.

Styletto, Pure, and Silk hearing aids start at the lower price range, while Motion and Insio hearing aids start higher. Signia Active hearing aids cost between $2,530–$5,445 per pair. And if you have one-sided or asymmetrical hearing loss, a Signia CROS AX system is about $1,925 for the transmitter, plus the cost of the single hearing aid on the other ear. Prices may vary by retailer.

How to buy Signia hearing aids

An audiologist must prescribe hearing aids for you to purchase from Signia. If your audiologist determines you have hearing loss, you can purchase them at your hearing care clinic. Pricing, warranty, and return policies depend on your hearing clinic’s terms.

Once you purchase your hearing aids, you’ll wait for them to ship to your clinic. Then, you’ll book an appointment with your licensed hearing professional to program and fit them to your ears.

You can also consider purchasing hearing aids through companies like Yes Hearing, a discount network provider offering hearing aids for up to 40% off retail price. If you’re interested in shopping with Yes Hearing, you can book a consultation on its website, purchase your hearing aids through the consultant, and have them delivered to your door by a Yes Hearing specialist, who will help you program and fit the new devices to your ear.

Insurance

Private insurance coverage varies between policies and states. Most states don’t require insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids, but some do. Have your audiology clinic call your insurance company to verify your benefits and find out the coverage terms. If you’re covered, you’ll likely still have to pay a percentage of the cost out of pocket.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing care, and Medicare Part B will only cover a diagnostic hearing exam. Medicare Advantage (Part C) might cover part of your hearing aid cost, but similar to private insurance policies, it depends on your policy terms.

Medicaid hearing aid coverage depends on your state. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn about hearing aid benefits in your location.

If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can contact your local VA facility to see how you can apply, as VA health care programs typically cover most, if not all, of your cost. Signia offers its full range of AX-compatible devices for veterans, so ask about Signia at the VA location near you.

Learn more by reading our article on hearing aid insurance coverage.

Financing

Most prescription hearing aid companies defer their financing options to the retailer. Ask your audiology clinic about payment plans to lower the initial cost barrier. Most clinics have financing options with 12–24 months of 0% deferred interest through companies like HealthiPlan, CareCredit, and Wells Fargo. You might pay interest on your payments, and this may not be a cost-saving option in the long run. With other plans, you’ll need to pay interest on your payments, which may not be a cost-saving option in the long run.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA)

Some employers let you contribute part of your pre-tax paycheck to FSAs or HSAs to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. When you start contributing, you should receive a debit card in the mail, which you can use for any eligible medical expense, including hearing aids.

It’s important to note FSA funds do not roll over year to year and must be used by the end of the year, but HSA funds will roll over and can collect interest.

How to save money on Signia hearing aids

If insurance coverage and financing offer little help to cut the cost of prescription hearing aids, try applying for community and government resources. Visit BenefitsCheckUp for benefits specific to your ZIP code.

Hearing Aid Donation Programs

Nationwide organizations like the Lions Club and the Hearing Aid Project refurbish donated hearing aids for reuse. You can fill out an online application to see if you qualify for free hearing aids.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

Some states offer free hearing aids when you participate in a vocational rehab that helps you gain the skills to find a job or maintain your current one. Contact your state agency to see how you can enroll, or if you’re already enrolled, ask how you can apply for access to hearing aids.

Ask about over-the-counter (OTC) options

If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, your hearing needs may be met with OTC hearing aids instead of prescription hearing aids. In general, the best OTC hearing aids cost between $99–$2,998 per pair, but their function is limited. Most OTC hearing aids don’t have the prescription-level technology that makes fine-tuned programming adjustments to incoming audio possible, which can be a real disadvantage if you have trouble listening in specific situations, like socializing at a restaurant or biking with your family.

If possible, don’t settle for an OTC brand just to save money—talk to your audiologist first to see what’s most appropriate for your hearing loss and ask for advice on how to get help paying for the hearing aids you need.

The Signia app

Most Signia hearing aids connect to your iPhone or Android smartphone via Bluetooth. Older phones and operating systems aren’t compatible, so make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS version 9.3 or higher, or your Android phone is updated to version 5.0 or higher.

If your phone is compatible and connected to your hearing aids, you’ll have access to the Signia app controls, allowing you to make adjustments to your hearing aid audio and access customer and technical support.

Make your own adjustments

Your Signia app can serve as a remote control. You can use it to increase or lower the volume of your hearing aids or activate tinnitus therapy to alleviate symptoms of ringing in the ears. If you’re streaming audio, you can use your phone to adjust the volume from those devices, too.

If you want to focus on a sound coming from a particular location and the option is available with your specific Signia model, you can use the app to select the directional hearing button, which sets your directional hearing preferences toward that sound for clearer audio. This comes in handy when you’re dining in public spaces and want to focus on the conversations at your table, or when you want to filter out surrounding sounds to focus on the speaker while in a large meeting. There’s also an auto setting if you’d like this feature to detect the sound location for you.

Signia also uses artificial intelligence to make automatic adjustments. The Signia Assistant doesn’t connect to a real person, but it is available at all times to help you make the most appropriate sound adjustments based on your personal hearing experiences. Its technology learns from your settings and sound preferences, so it can choose the best settings when you’re in difficult listening environments.

You can activate Signia Assistant by selecting the face in the top right corner of the app. Then, start the chat by sending a message about your problem. It will ask how it can support you, and make adjustments based on your needs. If you don’t like the new settings, you can reset them in the chat or work with Signia Assistant to make further improvements.

Troubleshoot with TeleCare

Are your hearing aids not working properly? If you’re unable to troubleshoot by checking your app for Bluetooth connectivity and battery life it may be time to recharge, or your hearing aids might have lost the signal to your smartphone.

If you’re still not sure, you can try to contact your hearing care professional using TeleCare. You can only access this feature if your hearing care professional gave you an access code, which you’ll enter into the “Professional” section of the app’s menu.

With your access code, you can select your hearing care professional and send them a private message explaining your issue. They’ll either give you resources to fix the issue or set up a virtual video appointment over the phone. Your hearing care professional will be able to make minor and major adjustments through the app without needing an in-person appointment.

Track your health

Styletto, Pure, and Insio Charge&Go AX models have the ability to track your health using the My WellBeing feature in your app. Both the left and right hearing aids have motion and voice sensors that track your steps, exercise, wear time, and conversations to determine both your activity levels and social engagement levels.

More hearing aids are including conversation and engagement tracking as a way to monitor social, mental, and emotional health. Loneliness and isolation are linked with untreated hearing loss, which can lead to depression and dementia, according to research.⁴ Tracking how often you wear your hearing aids and interact with others can keep you accountable for your own well-being and help your caregivers and loved ones to better support you.

Signia chargers and accessories

Each Signia rechargeable hearing aid comes with its own charger. Some are not portable, which means they must be plugged into an outlet to charge your hearing aids. This doesn’t pose a problem for those who charge their hearing aids every night, but if you travel often and need to charge on the go, a portable charger provides peace of mind.

The following hearing aid models come with portable chargers:

• Styletto X and AX
• Pure Charge&Go
• Active X

Many chargers have a quick charge function, which will give your hearing aids five to seven hours of battery life in about 30 minutes, then return to normal charging speed. The following hearing aid models have chargers with this function:

• Styletto X and AX (five hours)
• Pure Charge&Go X and AX (six hours)
• Active X
• Motion Charge&Go X (six hours), P X (seven hours), and SP X (four hours)

Select Signia chargers use Qi-wireless technology to recharge their batteries, so instead of being plugged into a wall outlet to replenish its battery life, the charger can be placed on the included charging pad, which uses direct contact to replenish the charger’s battery. The following hearing aid models have chargers that use Qi-wireless recharging technology:

• Styletto X and AX
• Active X

If you purchase Styletto, Motion Charge&Go, or Pure Charge&Go hearing aids, you’ll also have the option to purchase the Dry&Clean charger. This option uses ultraviolet waves to disinfect your hearing aids while removing moisture, which keeps them dry and protects them from damage. The Dry&Clean charger isn’t portable, so you’ll need to charge your hearing aids overnight while the charger is plugged into an outlet.

Read more about battery life and rechargeability by browsing the models listed above.

Accessories

Signia offers three accessories that can be paired with your hearing aids via Bluetooth to stream audio to your device. Most accessories cost between $200–$400, but check with your hearing aid retailer to get exact pricing.

• StreamLine TV: Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids, with volume controlled through the Signia app. StreamLIne TV must be plugged directly into your TV to function, so you’ll need to be sure you have space to place the StreamLine box nearby.
• StreamLine Mic: A remote Bluetooth microphone that streams phone calls to your hearing aids, as well as audio from Bluetooth-enabled computers, laptops, and more, it can also be used to stream live audio from conversations and meetings to your hearing aids for better speech clarity. Wear it on the included lanyard or clip it onto your clothing to keep it close to incoming audio.
• miniPocket: Offers an alternative way to adjust the volume on your hearing aids without accessing the Signia app or using manual controls, the miniPocket device can be attached to a keyring for added convenience.

Customer service

To reach Signia customer service, you’ll be prompted to fill out a contact form on its customer service page, which asks for your first and last name, an email address, and your message or question. Finding a phone number to speak with a customer service representative is not straightforward, but our Reviews Team was able to dig a little deeper to find two customer service lines.

The customer relations department is available at 800-766-4500, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. When our Reviews Team called, we were placed on hold for three minutes before speaking to an agent.

Signia also offers a Bluetooth hotline to troubleshoot Bluetooth connectivity issues. When we called this line, we were able to speak to an agent after a brief one minute hold time. You can contact the Bluetooth hotline at 800-350-6093, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

For all other inquiries, the Signia support page encourages users to contact a hearing care clinic in their area. You’ll need to fill out a different form on this page with personal information, including your address, to request support from a local clinic. Or, you can contact the hearing care clinic you purchased your hearing aids from.

Another way to contact your clinic is through the Signia app. Using the TeleCare feature, you can send your audiologist a message and schedule a virtual appointment to resolve any issues.

Signia customer reviews and satisfaction

Signia doesn’t have a presence on customer review websites, but it does have an unclaimed profile on Trustpilot, with 2.4 out of 5 stars and an average of 19 reviews. While the reviewer gave Signia five stars, one review is not enough to give our Reviews Team a fair idea of customer satisfaction.

The brand does have a presence on social media, though. On Facebook, Signia has 421,163 likes and 420,888 followers. Comments are rare, but there are a few where customers discuss their experiences with their hearing aids. Some Signia users are happy with their hearing aids, citing “zero problems” or improved hearing. Others refer to difficulties with connecting to Bluetooth. Signia responds to many of the comments, offering advice or a contact number to help resolve the issue.

Signia also has a presence on Instagram, with more than 19,000 followers that occasionally engage with its posts with specific questions about the devices, pricing, and features. The brand is active in addressing the infrequent comments, leaving thoughtful answers to questions or referring the customer to their local hearing clinic.

“The Styletto hearing aids changed my life. Time to get a new and improved pair. So comfortable compared to any other behind-the-ear aids because they are so small and thin.”

Peggy (Facebook)

“It’s been more than a year now and I’ve had ZERO problems. I dearly love the Bluetooth that allows me to make and receive phone calls without touching my iOS phone.”

Robert, regarding the Signia Pure model (Facebook)

“Unfortunately, I’m not satisfied with Active Pro quality because: 1) Music streaming quality is bad, 2) You can’t connect it to MacBook, and 3) It lacks noise cancellation mode.”

Hany (Instagram)

Maintenance, warranty, and care

Hearing aid warranty and return policies depend on the retailer. If you’re purchasing from a hearing aid clinic, clarify their terms before purchasing.

Hearing aid provider networks may offer this information online. For example, Yes Hearing offers a range of warranties that also cover loss and damage for all Signia models. You can get three-year coverage for the level five and level seven technology. Level three technology has two-year coverage. And level one and two technologies have one-year coverage. If you don’t like your hearing aids for any reason, you can return them in the first 45 days for your money back.

Avoid unnecessary damage and repairs by cleaning your hearing aids regularly and keeping them dry. Signia devices come with a package of eight wax guards, six replacement domes (if applicable), and a cleaning brush. You should perform regular at-home cleanings at least once per week, replace the domes once per month, and the wax guards twice per month. Use the dry cleaning brush to remove dust and debris from the outside of your hearing aid, and avoid using liquids to clean your devices. Address stubborn dirt and ear wax by scheduling a professional cleaning every six months at your hearing care clinic.

You can protect your hearing aids from moisture by purchasing a dehumidifying storage container, especially if you have the Silk X hearing aids, which are not water-resistant. Hearing aid dehumidifiers start at around $20–$30 on Amazon.

Who are Signia hearing aids for?

Signia offers a variety of prescription hearing aids that can treat mild to profound hearing loss, unlike OTC devices designed to treat only mild to moderate hearing loss. Signia hearing aids are also good for:

• Those who want to hear better in specific settings. If this is your goal, you may opt for a prescription hearing aid with advanced sound processing, even if your hearing loss is in the mild to moderate range. Hearing specialists can program prescription devices with more detailed settings that enable you to hear in environments important to you.
• One-sided hearing loss. Signia hearing aids treat one-sided or asymmetrical hearing loss using CROS and BiCROS technology.
• Tinnitus symptoms: Those who have ringing in the ears associated with hearing loss may benefit from tinnitus management programs, which are available through the Signia app’s sound adjustments.

Signia online hearing test

Unsure if you have hearing loss? You can take the Signia online hearing test to screen your own hearing. Although an online test doesn’t replace the thorough evaluation you get at a hearing care clinic by a licensed professional, it’s a good place to start.

Before taking the test, Signia asks you a few personal questions, like age and gender. It also asks a few questions regarding your hearing loss, like when you experience it the most and if one ear hears better than the other.

Next, the test prompts you to move to a quiet room and set up headphones on your computer. You’ll test the audio and confirm you can hear it. Once your audio is set up, you’ll begin the test.

Each ear will be tested separately. Follow the prompts carefully and listen closely to the sounds. You will adjust the volume bar to the loudest or quietest sound you can hear, depending on the prompt.

You will receive your results immediately after the test. Unlike some other online hearing tests, like Phonak, Signia will provide your results to you without requesting an email address or any other type of contact information.

Your results page will show details about your estimated level of hearing loss in each ear. It also gives a brief summary of how your hearing loss may be impacting the way you hear the world. And when you scroll down, you’ll see how hearing aids could potentially improve your hearing loss and your ability to interact with your surroundings

Signia compared to other brands

Here’s how Signia compares to other brands in our Reviews Team’s ranking of the best hearing aids on the market.

Both Signia and Oticon are prescription hearing aid brands with similar costs across technology levels depending on the retailer. But Oticon has something Signia lacks: an invisible-in-canal (IIC) option. IIC style hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet hearing aid styles on the market because they sit inside your ear canal, nearly invisible at first glance. Its small size also means it doesn’t include some technology, though, like telecoil and Bluetooth. But if you prefer the IIC style, Oticon is the better choice.

Both Jabra Enhance and Eargo are OTC brands that cost significantly less than Signia. The newest Eargo 7 is about $3,000 less per pair than the highest Signia technology level, but its technology is limited as it does not offer Bluetooth streaming and is only capable of treating mild to moderate hearing loss, not severe to profound hearing loss. Jabra Enhance offers Bluetooth streaming, but it’s also limited to treating mild to moderate hearing loss.

Table 2 Comparing Signia to other brands, as of May 2023

What to consider before buying Signia hearing aids

It’s always best to consult an audiologist or hearing care professional before buying hearing aids. If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will determine its cause and advise the right treatment. Hearing aids are not always appropriate, but if they are, you’ll be able to discuss which type of hearing aid is right for you.

A hearing professional can also help find a solution for you. If budget is a priority, your hearing care professional can help you find the most cost-effective solution that will treat your symptoms. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an OTC option may be appropriate, which could save you a lot of money since they tend to cost much less than prescription hearing aids. But if you have severe hearing loss, a prescription hearing aid will address your symptoms better than an OTC hearing aid can.

Don’t forget to use financial resources. While OTC and prescription hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, remember they’re an important investment in your social and mental well-being. Before deciding against hearing aids because of the cost, consider financing options and community resources. You can check local resources and see what you might be qualified for by visiting BenefitsCheckUp.

Bottom line

Signia hearing aids are prescription devices designed to treat mild to profound hearing loss. Some devices also treat one-sided hearing loss and symptoms of tinnitus.

If you suspect hearing loss, you can screen yourself using the Signia online hearing test. But an online test does not replace a professional evaluation. Be sure to visit your local audiologist for a thorough evaluation to see if you have hearing loss or a related underlying condition, and to determine the right course of treatment.

Signia prescription hearing aids cost between $1,540–$5,945 per pair, depending on their technology level. The higher the technology level is, the better the sound processing quality will be, and the more the hearing aid will cost.

Unfortunately, most insurances don’t cover the full cost of hearing aids, if they cover them at all. Utilize financial resources to improve your access to hearing care, such as FSA and HSA finds, or consider financing your payments or looking for assistance through charitable organizations like Lions Club.

Most importantly,don’t wait to take care of your hearing. Get a professional assessment as soon as possible, and talk to an audiologist about your options.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. Golub, Justin S, et al. Prevalence of Adult Unilateral Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use in the United States. The Laryngoscope. Nov. 2017. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.27017
2. Lee, Charles TC and Liu, Chin-Mei. Association of Hearing Loss With Dementia. Journal of the American Medical Association. July 2019. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2740068
3. Picou, Erin M, et al. Contralateral Routing of Signal Systems Can Improve Speech Recognition and Comprehension in Dynamic Classrooms. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. July 2020. Found on the internet at https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2020_JSLHR-19-00411
4. Shukla Aishwarya, et al. Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. May 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8292986/

Nicole Hernandez Author

Nicole Hernandez is a writer and physical therapist who empowers people to make informed decisions about their health as a writer and clinician. She has written for NCOA, AginginPlace.org, and physical therapy clinics to educate readers on fall and injury prevention, rehabilitation, home modifications, and other clinical themes including hearing aids and medical alert systems.

Brian Murray Medical Reviewer

Brian Murray was born and raised in upstate New York. He studied at Ithaca College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in 2010. He is registered/licensed to dispense hearing aids in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia, where he has worked in both private practice and retail clinics. He currently works as an event consultant, working with clinics across the country.

Kathleen Cameron Reviewer

Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.