Signia Hearing Aids

Signia is the new brand name for Siemens hearing aids. A couple of years ago, Sivantos purchased Siemens Hearing division. While initially, the hearing aids continued to be branded Siemens Sivantos has changed that brand to Signia over the intervening years.  Their latest platform the Nx is a pretty outstanding offering that shows that Signia is determined to introduce real innovation into their hearing aids.

Signia has offered their hearing aids in a similar way to Phonak, they name their hearing aid types differently and use a numeral to signify the technology level. For instance, the Nx platform (chipset) is split into three technology levels, the 7 at the top, through 5 to 3 at the bottom. The hearing aids types are called Insio for custom hearing aids, Motion for BTE hearing aids and Pure for different RIC / RITE hearing aid types.

Signia was second with the launch of Lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids with the introduction of the Cellion receiver in canal hearing aids. They have since launched a new rechargeable hearing aid on the Nx platform called the Pure Charge n Go. Signia, or rather Siemens has a long history of rechargeable hearing aids.

Although, their initial devices were not that popular because of battery life issues, however, their experience with the devices means that Signia rechargeable devices are particularly easy to use. Their chargers offer an auto on and off function, which simply means the hearing aids turn off when you place them into the charger and turn on when you take them out. Not all hearing aid brands do this and some users find it really irritating.

Signia Nx Hearing Aids

As I Said, Signia has launched a brand new platform that they are calling the Nx. The platform has several new features which many are excited about already. Let's take a look at both the devices and the features on offer.

Three Levels of Technology

The Nx platform is available in three levels of technology currently, the 7Nx, the 5Nx and the 3Nx.

OVP, Own Voice Processing

Signia have made a very big deal of the OVP or Own Voice Processing, they have dedicated a separate processor in the hearing aids to process the user's own voice differently from everything else. They are the very first company to do this and they say that the strategy will increase the acceptance of a user's own voice dramatically.

For new users of hearing aids the sound quality of their own voice can be off-putting, but it is usually something that they get used to. However, as Signia point out, used to does not mean happy with. This system promises to deal with the issue and you will simply not be aware of your voice in the usual way that you are when wearing hearing aids.

The 3D Classifier

The 3D Classifier analyses many factors of the user's environment and communication behaviour. It uses information on the user's voice activity, their motion and sound data to tailor the hearing aids response to better suit the user's needs. The feature automatically changes the parameters of the hearing aids to ensure better hearing in changing environments.

Two Radios

Like the Oticon Opn and the Widex Beyond, the Signia Nx platform has two wireless radios, the Bluetooth radio and the proprietary Signia wireless system. This approach brings real benefits, it ensures that the outstanding ear to ear features can still run even if you are streaming audio or taking a phone call.

Direct Connection

They have expanded their Bluetooth system across this range, offering direct connection with all of the devices. Their original offering, the Pure 13 BT which was released on the Primax platform was very well received, the system was innovative in that it used the sensors on the iPhone to assess the forward movement of a user. This allowed the hearing aids to change how they were processing sound. This system and feature set has now been expanded across the new range of hearing aids.

Telecare 3.0

This is a really interesting development, Signia has made the Telecare service a live service. They were initially the first hearing aid brand to offer Telecare with a limited fine-tuning option. Signia though quickly expanded that fine-tuning option and added video calling to the system. Now they have enabled full live remote tuning with video support which is a pretty huge breakthrough.

The new service means that you can set-up a video call with your hearing professional and explain the issue you are having in the situation you are having it in. While you are connected, your hearing professional can tweak your hearing aid’s settings live and you can quickly assess if they are better. So for the first time ever, it’s possible to have a provider to fine-tune your hearing aids while you are in the listening environments that matter to you.

Signia Styletto Hearing Aids

Signia Introduces A New Form Factor

Signia has introduced brand new devices which will be available on the Nx platform which they are calling the Styletto. The devices are based on a completely new form factor and they will be available in the three levels of technology. They will also have the OwnVoice feature that has been pretty successful for Signia. The devices will be suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses only. They will not be Made For iPhone enabled, however, they will have the Signia wireless protocol. The devices are unlike anything that is currently available. They are a rechargeable Receiver In Canal hearing aid but the body of the devices are long and thin. Signia understands that Lithium-ion power packs can really come in any shape or size and they used that knowledge to push the envelope with this design.

Modern Hearing Devices

The devices are small and discreet, they feel pretty light on the ears and hug the back of the ear nicely. The case of the device has a nice quality feel with a brushed steel back. All in all, it feels quite modern and luxurious. The receiver is fixed to the case and the case appears sealed pretty well. Signia say they have a high waterproof and dustproof value.

The Charger Case

Signia have a lot of experience with rechargeable hearing aids and their rechargers are some of the best in the business. This charger is no different, it is an automatic charger which turns the hearing aids off when placed in it and on when they are taken out. It charges the devices in as little as three hours and it offers three extra charges. So if you go away for the weekend and you forget your plug, your charger will see you through. The charger is quite small, so it is ideal for throwing in a coat pocket or handbag. It has LED lights on the front which allow you to ascertain what the charge state is at a glance so you should never be caught out. All in all, it is a nice charger and you can see that some thought has gone into it.