Signia Active X and Active Pro

Signia’s Active X and Active Pro – Hearing Aids Review

Hearing Aids or Ear Buds? Signia’s Active X and Active Pro hearing aids bridge the gap between the two worlds, fitting over a hundred years of research and development into a new and revolutionary form factor. With rechargeability, direct iPhone streaming, and all day battery. the Active X may just be the hearing aid you’ve been waiting for.

My Top 3 Features

Form Factor and Design

The Active X hearing aids look like no hearing aids which have come before. Their large body and minimalistic colours are built to be seen. Just like a cool Apple Airpod or Samsung Buds, these can be worn proudly as a fashion accessory with the benefit of better hearing. 

Rechargeability and Charging Case

The Active X’s are the only fully rechargeable in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aids which don’t require a custom mould. Starkey’s Livio Edge Ai ITC hearing aids are the only other hearing aids on the market which offer rechargeability but they do come in a custom form factor. Depending on your hearing loss and design preference, you may choose one over the other.

Accompanying this modern hearing aid is one of the smallest and, in my opinion, best designed cases on the market. Closely resembling the Apple AirPods’ case, the Active X case has a secure lid, magnets to hold your hearing aids in place, internal batteries, and USB-C/wireless charging. From my experience, for someone who frequently travels or needs to take off their hearing aids often (working with power tools, etc.), this is a fantastic option. Other cases currently on the market are much bulkier and often do not include an internal battery, requiring you to be plugged directly into the wall at all times.

Direct iPhone Audio Streaming – Videos, Music, Calls, Podcasts etc.

The Active X offers direct streaming and app controls on most iPhones, allowing you to listen to calls, movies, podcasts and lots more straight to your ears. For streaming from Android phones or other bluetooth devices, a Streamline Mic accessory is necessary.

iPhone Streaming

The Active X devices are compatible with iPhones 5 and later, allowing direct music and call streaming to the hearing aids without an additional accessory. Like most other hearing aids (besides the Phonak Marvel/Paradise lines), phone calls stream directly to your ears but use the iPhone’s microphone to pick up your voice. If you want truly hands-free calling you can pick up the Streamline Mic.

Android Streaming

No direct audio streaming capabilities are currently available for Android through Signia devices. You need a companion device like the Streamline Mic for this purpose. Only Phonak’s Audeo Marvel and Paradise devices currently have direct audio streaming for all Bluetooth devices. 

For the full Streamline Mic Review, CLICK HERE

Comfort and Design

Comfort and Ease of Use

Personally, the Active X’s are quite comfortable. Their Click Sleeve Domes fit well and the large body is well supported on the ear. For individuals with narrow ear canals, behind-the-ear options like the Signia Styletto X or Oticon More hearing aids may be a better fit. Your audiologist will be able to advise if this would be a suitable option for you.

Signia App

The Signia app is available for both iPhone and Android and allows you to control settings like volume, program switching, directionality, and sound balance. Signia has also recently added a new mask mode and Signia Assistant to provide additional help during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For the full Signia App tutorial, CLICK HERE 

Battery Life

The Active X’s are set to last around 16 to 19 hours on a single charge depending on the level of your hearing loss and streaming time. A full charge will take around 3 to 4 hours whilst a 30 minute charge will last you around 5 hours. The case is said to also contain up to 3 to 4 additional charges, making it a great option if you go on short road trips and don’t want to carry a power brick.

Summary

In summary, if you’re looking for a hearing aid which looks like no other, is fully rechargeable, and fits well in the ear, I would highly recommend going to your local audiologist for a trial of the Signia Active X’s!

Review by Mark Truong, Audiologist, Melbourne Australia