Overview
Signia is one of the most well-known hearing aid brands in the world and is owned by WS Audiology, the largest hearing aid conglomerate in the world. Prior to 2015, Signia was known as Siemens, and they have been best known for quality devices, pioneering technology, and feature-rich hearing aids. The company was the first to develop hearing aids with directional microphones as well as wireless, ear-to-ear technology, and Signia continues to be a market leader in hearing aid features. Signia is also known for their focus on style and aesthetics without losing the function for which they have become to be known. There is a stigma associated with hearing aid use, and this focus on design helps to fight against that stigma. Signia, as one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world, offers choices at almost every price point, for every style, and with different levels of technology.
The Signia Motion X comes in three distinct models each with three different technology levels. The three models include the Motion Charge&Go X, Motion Charge&Go P X, and Motion Charge&G0 SP X and with those three models you can find a solution to almost any type of hearing loss you could experience from mild to profound. These Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are built for performance. The sensor technology along with the Automatic Situation Detection allow these hearing aids to take the entirety of your listening environment into consideration and adjust your settings and features accordingly. You can hold conversations in noisy environments, stream music and television, and hear all of the sounds that people with normal hearing do. The following is a review and description of the Signia Motion X line of hearing aids.
Things to Consider Before Buying
The Signia Motion X line of hearing aids is built for performance and power, and you can find some of Signia’s best technology in these hearing aids. The revolutionary sensor technology allows you to experience your entire sound environment and then choose the sounds that are the most important to you. This technology even takes into account whether you are moving or standing still and then automatically adjusts your settings and features for optimal hearing. You also get the Signia app along with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Signia Assistant so that you can control your hearing aids from your smartphone as well as stream and find support all in the same place. It is a made-for-iPhone device, but you can also connect to Android devices and other Bluetooth electronics with the StreamLine accessories. All Motion X hearing aids are BTE devices, and are lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.
Pros
- You can hear all of the sounds around you and then focus on the ones that are most important.
- The motions sensors take into account your movement along with the fact that most sounds do not come from stationary objects.
- All Motion X hearing aids are rechargeable.
- Access to the Signia app and Signia Assistant.
- Give you up to 61 hours of usage on a single charge.
- A very portable and durable charging/carrying case.
- The first rechargeable super-power hearing device.
- Built on the Signia Xperience platform.
- Made-for-iPhone so that you connect directly to many Apple products.
- Own-Voice-Processing allows you to hear your own voice or sounds within your own head at a lower, more natural volume.
- Great for people who suffer from severe or profound hearing loss.
Cons
- No In-The-Ear (ITE) or invisible options.
- Better options for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Does not connect directly to anything but Apple devices.
Features & Benefits of Each Model
Motion Charge&Go X
The Motion Charge&Go X is the base model and is a great BTE hearing aid for mild to severe hearing loss.
Motion Charge&Go P X
The Motion Charge&Go P X uses the same platform, but comes in a slightly smaller package. If you are looking for a more discreet option but like the features and technology of the Motion Charge&Go line, the P X model might be right for you.
Motion Charge&Go SP X
The “SP” stands for “Super Power” and is Signia’s most powerful rechargeable hearing aid holding charge for up to 61 hours. This hearing aid is built specifically for people who struggle with severe or profound hearing loss and is slightly larger in size than the other two devices.
Design/Type of Hearing Aid
While Signia is often known for their focus on fashion and style, the Motion X are not as fashionable as other Signia devices. They are pretty simple BTE hearing aids that are on the larger side of what many manufacturers produce now. The P X model is slightly smaller than the other two, but it is also not as powerful at the same time. The earpiece is customizable either through your audiologist or by purchasing different sizes of sleeves to go on top of the earpiece.
Fit and Wearability
These devices fit well and are easy to use. They are not as fashionable as some of the other Signia options, and you can tell right away, with a simple glance, that they are hearing aids. The fit inside your ear is customizable, but the fit on the outside is pretty standard and will fit comfortably for the vast majority of people.
Performance
- Battery
The rechargeable batteries in the Motion X line of hearing aids last a long time. In fact, the SP X version of these devices can last up to 61 hours of usage on a single charge. It is also very easy to recharge it, simply place the device in the accompanying charging case before you go to bed at night, and when you wake up it will be fully charged. The charging case is very easy to use and portable so you can take it anywhere and keep your hearing aids safe.
- Sound quality
- Directionality
The microphones in the Signia Active hearing aids will work together to focus on the dominant speech sound in your environment, no matter where it originates. Most hearing aids focus on what is in front of you, and most of the time that is ok because you generally converse with people in front of you. The Xperience platform takes in all of the sounds in your environment, and is able to pinpoint the most important and focus on where it came from and how to process it.
- Adaptability
Signia Motion X hearing aids are power hearing aids so they are generally a little larger than most normal devices. The size and weight of the devices can make them difficult to get used to, but the customization options for the earpiece offsets the size and weight. In addition, the OwnVoice Processing allows you to hear the noises inside your head and body just like you did when you had normal hearing.
- Adaptive noise reduction
The EchoShield and eWindscreen work together to keep unwanted sounds from being overly amplified by pinpointing them and then processing them out of the listening environment.
- Automatic sound adjustment based on environment
Automatic Situation Detection uses sensors to adjust to any acoustic situation you find yourself in automatically and instantly. The sensors take into account the entire acoustic environment from front to back and then adjust your settings and the sound that is processed based on the environment.
- Streaming
The Signia Motion X are made-for-iPhone devices so that you can stream phone calls, music, etc. directly from your iPhone with high quality sound. If you want to stream from a television, Android phone, or any other audio device then you will need one of the StreamLine accessories mentioned below.
Accessories
- StreamLine Mic
The StreamLine Mic allows for a fully hands-free experience with both audio streaming and phone calls from either iPhone or Android. As long as your phone has BlueTooth capability, the StreamLine Mic can connect to it and provide stereo-quality sound for any occasion. It can also be used as a remote microphone so that you can hear a lecturer or converse with a friend one-on-one in a crowded environment.
- StreamLine TV
The StreamLine TV accessory allows you to stream audio directly from your television to your hearing aids with no interference. You can even change your own personal volume without affecting the volume of the actual television.
- miniPocket
The miniPocket is essentially a small, discrete remote control that allows you to change the volume and settings of your hearing aids. It is much smaller than a smartphone and is the perfect option if you do not want to use your app but still want remote control of your hearing aids. You can even carry it on your keychain for better access.
AI Features
The Signia Assistant feature in the Signia app features machine learning which uses AI to learn your personal hearing preferences. There is also a “hearing test” function that helps your device learn more about how you hear and what your preferences are. These AI features allow your hearing aids to learn to become better the longer that you have them.
Unique Perks and Features
Bluetooth connectivity
The Motion X has Bluetooth capability, but you do need the StreamLine Mic app if you want almost universal connectivity. The hearing aid does connect directly to newer iPhones which is nice, but the lack of direct connection to most other Bluetooth devices is a weakness of the Motion X.
Signia App
As opposed to other hearing aid manufacturers that offer multiple apps to handle different accessories and aspects of the hearing aid, the Signia app covers every Signia device in one place. With the Signia app, you can control your hearing aids from your own smartphone so that you can enjoy everything that they can do. Some of the features available on the app include control over audio streaming, a remote control to adjust the volume or fix the settings, and access to remote support to fix any issues you may have. It is easy to use and most importantly, when you have your smartphone, you also have access to every feature of the Signia App. You have access to the Signia Assistant, which is described below, and you can connect to other devices and stream audio all from your phone. With the Signia app you get:
- Remote control over the volume, settings, and features of your hearing aid
- Face Mask mode which makes it easier to communicate with people in environments where face masks are being worn
- Management of connectivity and streaming features
- The ability to schedule and attend virtual hearing appointments and to receive support from your hearing care professional
- The ability to take “hearing lessons”at your own pace, focussing on how to hear more effectively with your hearing aids
The Signia app is another way to take control of your hearing experience and personalize your hearing aids in a way that works for you. This app is very easy to use, intuitive in its features and function, and thorough. It covers all remote control aspects of your hearing experience.
Signia Assistant
The Signia Assistant, like the name suggests, was created to be your “hearing companion” as you learn to use your Insio Charge&Go AX. The Signia Assistant can be found exclusively within the Signia App, but it is important enough to get its own description here independent of our description of the app. The Signia Assistant uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to learn your preferences over time, adjusting to your personal hearing style and providing the most personal hearing experience possible. The Signia Assistant is inspired by the way the human brain solves challenges and uses its highly developed live deep neural network to develop new listening skills based on the way your hearing functions. Basically, the Signia Assistant learns your preferences and creates a solution tailored to your individual hearing needs. Some of the features that you get with the Signia Assistant include:
- Availability for both iOS and Android systems
- Better speech comprehension
- Settings tailored to your personal preferences along with machine learning that can change intuitively as your preferences change
- 24/7 support within the app
- Confidence in your hearing success and control over the process
- Videos and troubleshooting guides to help you solve any issues that arise with your device.
- A live deep neural network that can develop new listening skills over time as it learns the way your hearing functions.
Acoustic Sensors
A motion sensor is built into the hearing aids so that the device can detect the wearer’s movements using the acoustics of their surroundings. The hearing aids can then process sound according to how and where the wearer is moving and adjust the settings of the device based on all of the information it is processing.
OwnVoice Processing
Uses split processing to ensure that you hear your voice as naturally as possible. A big complaint with hearing aids is that your own voice and even the sound that you make when you chew food is much different sounding with hearing aids than without them. This technology allows you to hear yourself as naturally as possible.
TeleCare
With TeleCare, you can stay in touch with your audiologist through teleconferencing, text messaging, or phone calls so that you can receive support when you need it. Support available includes the possibility of your hearing care professional connecting to your device remotely and making changes and adjustments as needed. Video learning is also available and your audiologist can suggest the classes that would provide you the most benefit.
Tinnitus Notch Therapy
Signia offers Notch Therapy to help those hearing aid wearers that experience tinnitus. Most tinnitus therapies exist to help lessen the symptoms, usually by introducing a new sound to the environment that can mask the tinnitus sound and effect. This does not treat the issue, it simply makes tinnitus harder to hear. Notch therapy, on the other hand, treats your tinnitus inaudibly, unobtrusively, and with a goal of curing the condition. Simply wear your hearing aids normally and the hearing aids will relegate the sound of tinnitus to the background of your hearing. Eventually your tinnitus will be barely noticeable. This type of therapy has the potential to take away tinnitus completely.
Cost
With three distinct models including the Motion Charge&Go X, Motion Charge&Go P X, and Motion Charge&Go SP X, and three different technology levels within each model, the price of the Motion X hearing aid line is hard to pinpoint. The lowest technology model can be found for as low as $1,000 per ear while the highest can cost upwards of $5,000 for a set or even more. Other than the differences between models and technology levels, there is also a different price point depending on the audiologist you see and the level of service you require. You should also check with your insurance to see if any portion of a hearing aid purchase would be covered.
FAQs
- When did Signia X come out?
The “X” stands for “Xperience” and the Signia Xperience is the platform introduced by Signia with its advent in 2016. Signia was formerly known as Siemens, and the rebranding included a brand new chip platform on which the features and style of the Signia brand were contained. Since its inception, Signia has introduced new technology and features but the foundation was built on the Xperience platform.
- Is Signia a good brand name?
Signia is part of the largest hearing aid conglomerates in the world, and has been around for years in the hearing aid market. Before becoming Signia, the brand was known as Siemens, and even then they were pioneering hearing aid technology. They have all of the resources of the largest manufacturer in the world and the skill and expertise to constantly develop new products. On top of that, Signia is known for its quality products and for the durability they provide. They are one of the most reputable brands out there.
- What is the best hearing aid on the market today?
The best hearing aid on the market differs from person to person and depends a lot on personal preference. If you are looking for power hearing aids that also offer you speech clarity and motion sensors, then the Signia Motion X is a great choice. Each brand and each device has its own strengths and weaknesses, it is up to each individual to match their needs with the features and strengths of the device.
- How much does the Signia Motion X cost?
The Signia Motion X includes three distinct models and three different technology levels within each model. Because of the variety of devices contained within the Motion X line of hearing aids, there is also a wide range of prices. It is hard to pinpoint the price because Signia works primarily through local audiologists and hearing centers, and even your local audiologist can greatly affect the price of the hearing aid. In general, you can expect to pay at least $1,000 per ear and as much as $5,000 or more for a pair of Motion X hearing aids.
Bottomline
The Signia Motion X is a power hearing aid with top line speech clarity and motion sensor technology that allows you to hear everything in your environment. If you suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, one of Signia’s other hearing aids like the Styleeto X or Active X would be preferable because of their improved aesthetics. If you are looking for a high end hearing aid with great features that you can use for any level of hearing loss, then the Signia Motion X is a great choice.
