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People can develop hearing loss at any stage of their life, not just at birth or as an older adult. According to the
If you’re looking into the latest from Siemens hearing aids, in this article we’ll look at changes from the manufacturer, the brand’s reputation and offerings, and we’ll explain how to buy hearing aids built with Siemens technology.
Siemens Hearing Instruments, or Siemens Audiology Solutions, was a hearing aid manufacturer — or, rather, was one. As of a 2015 acquisition, Siemens began selling their hearing aids under the name Sivantos.
In 2016, Sivantos, the company that acquired Siemens Hearing Instruments, introduced a brand-new hearing aid line called Signia. Newly developed hearing devices from Sivantos are branded under the Signia name.
Despite the new branding, Signia hearing devices use technology previously developed by Siemens. But when you buy the hearing aids, you’re purchasing them from Signia.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of Signia hearing aids.
Pros
- Free online hearing test. Signia’s online hearing test lets you know whether you should book an in-person hearing exam. It’s free and simple to use.
- Lots of options. The company offers a wide variety of hearing device styles and types to fit different needs and levels of hearing loss.
- Custom-fit devices. All Signia devices can be custom-fitted to you by hearing specialists.
- Easy-to-use app. In addition to hearing aid customization, the app also allows you to chat virtually with a hearing specialist.
Cons
- Expensive. Signia’s collection of hearing aids can be expensive, much like other high quality hearing devices. Costs may differ depending on your location and retailer.
- Can’t purchase online. The hearing aids aren’t available for purchase directly on the website. You must get an in-person hearing exam done by a hearing specialist to buy Signia hearing devices.
Pricing varies depending on your hearing specialist and where you live. High quality hearing aids, like those from Signia, can be priced based on bundled services or on the devices themselves.
Signia has a search function that allows you to find a retailer that stocks their hearing devices. Retailers should provide a free trial period for available hearing aids.
Signia doesn’t offer financing for their hearing aids.
When you buy a Signia hearing device, it comes with a 1-year warranty. There’s also an option to purchase an extended warranty.
Signia hearing aids come with a companion app, which is free to use (more on that below).
Can you use insurance?
Most prescription hearing aids, like those from Signia, aren’t entirely covered by medical insurance.
However, Signia does provide hearing aids through the Department of Veterans Affairs for people who are eligible.
Signia sells adult hearing aids made with Siemens technology. The company offers a few types of models, including:
- behind-the-ear (BTE)
- completely-in-canal (CIC)
- in-the-canal (ITC)
- in-the-ear (ITE)
- receiver-in-canal (RIC)
Signia’s collection of hearing aids is divided into several product lines.
Signia Active
- Suitable for: mild to severe hearing loss
This ITC hearing aid is Bluetooth enabled and features an AI digital assistant that automatically learns your preferences and adjusts the device according to different environments.
Styletto X
- Suitable for: mild to moderate hearing loss
This rechargeable RIC hearing aid is also Bluetooth enabled and comes with a convenient charging case.
Silk X
- Suitable for: people who want a discreet hearing aid
This CIC hearing aid is made of soft silicone for a comfortable, hidden-from-view fit. Instead of a custom fit, the Silk X devices come in different sleeve sizes.
Pure
- Suitable for: people with any level of hearing loss
Each of the RIC hearing devices in the Pure line is available in 10 different colors. All the devices in the collection work with Signia’s smartphone app.
Motion X
- Suitable for: people with any level of hearing loss
These BTE hearing aids are Bluetooth enabled and have a unique feature called Own Voice Progressing that helps make your voice sound more natural to your ears. You can also get these custom-fitted.
Intuis 3
- Suitable for: people with any level of hearing loss, except profound
This collection of Signia hearing aids includes ITE, RIC, and BTE styles. You can get these custom-fitted, and you can control streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Insio Nx
- Suitable for: mild to severe hearing loss
This line of hearing aids includes ITE, ITC, IIC, and CIC styles. They can help amplify sound in loud environments.
CROS
- Suitable for: one-sided hearing loss
Not everyone who experiences hearing loss has dual-sided hearing loss. These BTE and ITE hearing aids help people with one-sided hearing loss by transmitting sounds to the ear without hearing loss.
There are three main mobile apps that an audiologist can program to work with various Signia hearing aids. These apps are all free to download. The Signia, touchControl, and myControl apps are available for Apple and Android devices.
Each of these apps lets you adjust volume levels and balance (treble and bass) from your smartphone or another smart device.
Functionality varies greatly depending on your smartphone or smart device and current operating system, as well as the hearing aids you’re using.
Based on the Signia website and according to some users, there is limited information on how to use the apps and access certain features, and their compatibility with different models of hearing aids is lacking.
If you have any questions about your Signia hearing aids, or how to program them with the available apps, an audiologist or another hearing specialist can help.
In-warranty hearing aids are eligible for free repairs through Signia’s repair service.
The Signia website doesn’t have any information about a return policy. Check with your Signia retailer to find out whether it’s possible to return hearing aids.
While Siemens is an older company with an excellent reputation, the Signia brand is relatively new. It doesn’t yet have an established reputation. However, the fact that the hearing aids use Siemens technology gives them a leg up in this regard.
Reviews for Signia hearing aids are mixed. Some people remark on the top-notch sound quality. But others complain about quality control and technical problems that require repeat repairs.
Several reviewers also cite issues with battery life and some devices not holding a charge.
Start with Signia’s free online hearing test to determine whether you should schedule an in-person exam.
You can also visit the website to find a nearby retailer and schedule an in-person exam without taking the online test.
A hearing specialist can check your hearing and determine whether you may benefit from a hearing aid. They can help you choose a Signia hearing aid that fits your level of hearing loss. Some devices can be custom-fit to your ears. However, if you decide to try custom-fit devices, you’ll need to wait before they’re ready.
Here are a few other hearing aid brands that you may want to consider:
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices may be a less expensive alternative to pricey prescription hearing aids. Keep in mind that for now, these devices merely amplify sound the way earbuds can and can damage your hearing if used incorrectly. Find out more about OTC hearing devices.
For severe hearing loss, cochlear implants, or devices that are surgically implanted in your cochlea, may be another option. Read about cochlear implants.
For many people, hearing aids can help treat and manage hearing loss. Most reputable hearing aid companies highly recommend getting an in-person exam by a hearing specialist before buying a set of hearing aids. During these exams, hearing specialists like audiologists or otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctor) can diagnose hearing loss and rule out other causes.
Hearing aids, like those from Signia, can help you treat or manage hearing loss.
A hearing specialist such as an audiologist or otolaryngologists can help you determine whether a hearing aid is right for you. If there are no underlying issues causing your hearing loss, a hearing specialist can help fit you for a hearing aid.
Hearing exams can be expensive if paying out of pocket or without insurance. However, some hearing specialists may offer payment plans or other financing options. Before heading to your appointment, ask your specialist’s office what options may be available to you.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.