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Audien Hearing Atom X vs. Signia Active Mini IX

Check out our comparison of the Audien Hearing Atom X vs Signia Active Mini IX. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
3.6
Audien Hearing Atom X
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Audien Hearing

Atom X

SoundScore 3.3/5
$389 per pair
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Score
4.3
Signia Active Mini IX 7 IX
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Signia

Active Mini IX 7 IX

SoundScore 4.5/5
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Atom X
$389 per pair
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Active Mini IX
Review

Product Overview

Atom X
Active Mini IX
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
Score
3.6
Score
4.3
User Rating
1.33 reviews
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Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerate
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Atom X
Active Mini IX

HearingTracker Score

Atom X
3.6BELOW AVERAGE

A clever touchscreen charging case and long battery life modernize Audien's budget lineup—but speech clarity (especially in noise) still trails many OTC rivals.

Read full review
Active Mini IX
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Signia Active Mini IX earned a 4.2/5 score and an A SoundGrade in our lab testing. See how the compact earbud-style prescription hearing aid performed.

Read full review

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Atom X
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

Audien Atom X achieved a SoundScore of 3.3/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #54 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.

Active Mini IX
4.5EXCELLENT

Signia Active Mini IX achieved a SoundScore of 4.5/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #14 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Build Quality

Atom X
4.1AVERAGE

Audien Atom X hearing aids lack an IP rating, so they might not be the best against moisture or dust. While using them they feel decently built and they do come with an excellent portable charging case.

Active Mini IX
4.9EXCELLENT

Active Mini IX has an IP rating of 68, meaning it has excellent protection against dust and moisture. This is consistent with my hands-on testing which suggested it is built well and will hold-up to daily use.

Battery

Atom X
3.1BELOW AVERAGE

Atom X offer up to 12 hours of battery life, which is less than many of Audien's hearing aids. Recharging will take roughly 3-4 hours, with the case offering several additional full charges.

Active Mini IX
3.8AVERAGE

Active Mini IX have a reported battery life of 21 per charge. While this is less than Active Pro IX, it should be enough to get most people through their day without needing to recharge.

Bluetooth

Atom X
4.5EXCELLENT

Atom X offer wireless control and streaming for both iOS and Android. This is the key new addition for Atom X and I found it to work very well.

Active Mini IX
5.0EXCELLENT

Signia Active Mini hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling (iOS and LE Audio). The audio streaming quality could be better, especially during phone calls where I noted frequent artifacts and drop outs.

App Features

Atom X

Not yet rated by our experts

Active Mini IX
5.0EXCELLENT

Signia's hearing aid app stands out with its user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like the ability to control the focus of your hearing aids and a mask mode to enhance speech clarity. Additionally, the app offers wellness features, utilizing hearing aid motion sensors for activity tracking.

Comfort

Atom X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

I found Atom X more comfortable than Atom Pro 2, though other hearing aids will likely offer you a better fit and overall comfort.

Active Mini IX
4.8EXCELLENT

I found the instant-fit comfort and retention of Active Mini good. Your hearing care provider can demo various ear tips to find the best fit for your ears and hearing needs.

Design

Atom X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

The design of Atom X falls between a custom hearing aid and wireless earbud. They are only available in a medical beige color, which is meant to match skin color, but will not suit everyone.

Active Mini IX
5.0EXCELLENT

Active Mini take the aesthetic of Active Pro a step further with an even smaller earbud design. This can be highly desirable if you are looking for an instant fit hearing aid and Signia gives you several color options to choose from.

Value

Atom X
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

Audien Atom X has a value score of 4.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Active Mini IX
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

Signia Active Mini IX has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

Atom X
4.5EXCELLENT

Atom X is the most user friendly hearing aid I have tried from Audien Hearing to date. The physical buttons are large and the bright touchscreen feature is a great addition.

Active Mini IX
4.8EXCELLENT

Active Mini IX worked great in my testing with the only real issue involving occasional difficulty placing them properly into the charging case (the magnetic pins could be stronger). Additionally, I wish Active Mini and Pro IX offered tap controls to accompany their streaming capabilities.

Pro Support

Atom X
1.0BELOW AVERAGE

Like many OTC products, Audien does not offer remote assistance from hearing experts, support is limited to email and phone customer support.

Active Mini IX
5.0EXCELLENT

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. The Signia App should enhance your experience with AI assistance and user-friendly virtual appointments, given your provider offers telehealth services.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Atom X
Active Mini IX
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Active Mini IX
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Active Mini IX
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Active Mini IX

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Atom X
Active Mini IX
Bluetooth Streamer
None

StreamLine Mic+2

A wireless clip-on mic that streams audio to hearing aids from any Bluetooth device.

Remote Control
None

miniPocket

Enables push-button remote control of hearing aid functions.

Signia App+2

The Signia App provides a remote control, directional hearing control, telecare access, and access to connectivity and streaming settings.

TV Streamer
None

TV Sound+1

The Signia TV Sound is a high-quality stereo audio streaming device designed to deliver clear TV audio directly to Bluetooth-enabled Signia hearing aids. It connects to a TV via an analog or optical cable and requires a USB power source. Pairing is simple—users turn on the device, restart their hearing aids, and place them within 20 cm to establish a connection. Once paired, audio streaming can be controlled via the Signia app, allowing users to start, pause, and adjust the volume effortlessly. This device enhances the TV listening experience for Signia hearing aid users by providing direct, latency-free sound transmission.

Hardware

Atom X
Active Mini IX
AccelerometerAccelerometerThis hearing aid is capable of measuring acceleration through an embedded sensor.
No
Yes
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
No
IP68
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
No
  • Accept/end calls

Software Features

Atom X
Active Mini IX
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
20
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
Audio Stream MixerAudio Stream MixerAllows the user to adjust the volume of the audio stream relative to the microphone input using the push button or volume control on the hearing aid unit.
No
Adaptive Streaming VolumeAdaptive Streaming VolumeSpeech intelligibility weighted adaptation of the streaming volume depending on the level of ambient noise.
Direction SelectionDirection SelectionAllows the user to select one or more directions to focus their hearing aids on. For example, some hearing aids allow the listener to focus on sounds coming from in front or back, or from the right or left.
No
Spatial ConfiguratorSpatial ConfiguratorAllows the wearer to adjust the direction of the microphone beam via the Signia App.Speech FocusSpeech FocusIn the Universal Program, SpeechFocus steers the directional beam either to surround mode for side speech or to the rear. In manual programs, microphone beam to the right/left/rear directions.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Adaptive DirectionalityAdaptive DirectionalityImproves the signal to noise ratio in noisy environments by reducing dominant noise sources from the back and sides. The polar plot is adjusted continuously in multiple frequency channels.Automatic DirectionalityAutomatic DirectionalityImproves the signal to noise ratio in noisy environments by automatically and seamlessly applying directionality in individual processing channels.Binaural DirectionalityBinaural DirectionalityDirectionality provides scientifically proven enhanced speech understanding in noise. Available for bilateral fittings with directional microphones and e2e wireless link.Spatial SpeechFocusSpatial SpeechFocusAvailable for bilateral fittings with Ultra HD e2e.
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
TruEar 360TruEar 360Reproduces benefits of the natural pinna effect by highlighting the difference between front and back sources of sound.
Echo ReductionEcho ReductionThis feature improves speech audibility by reducing the “blurring” of speech sounds that can occur in the presence of echoes.
No
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.Reverberant Room ProgramReverberant Room ProgramDedicated program for reverberant environments.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Conversation Dynamics AnalyzerConversation Dynamics AnalyzerPrecisely analyzing conversation dynamics 1,000 times per second including turntaking and timing, locations of pure noise without speech, and levels of background noise.Conversation Source AnalyzerConversation Source AnalyzerConstantly scouts the acoustic environment to identify number of talkers and their location, precisely analyzing 1,000 times per second.RealTime Conversation EnhancementRealTime Conversation EnhancementProvides uninterrupted engagement in noisy group conversations by seamlessly tracking the locations of all conversation partners and enhancing their speech.5/5
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
12kHz
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Yes
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
No
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Frequency CompressionFrequency CompressionImproves the detection of speech sounds for wearers with reduced high frequency hearing thresholds. Frequency compression is selectively activated based on audiological criteria.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
6
Machine LearningMachine LearningThis hearing aid employs machine learning to bring a higher degree of computer-aided intelligence to decision making.
No
Signia AssistantSignia AssistantOffers wearers instant 24/7 troubleshooting and customized sound adjustments via an intuitive AI-enabled chat. Provides detailed information in Connexx to address each client's fine-tuning needs more precisely.
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
Acclimatization ManagerAcclimatization ManagerAllows the wearer to benefit from enhanced audibility in the longer term, while enjoying optimal device acceptance when initially fitted.
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
Own Voice ComfortOwn Voice ComfortAmplification is applied differently to your own voice versus the other voices around you. This allows adequate amplification of people you want to hear and no over-amplification of your own voice.
No
OVP™ 2.0OVP™ 2.0Processes the wearer's own voice independent from ambient sounds, providing improved speech clarity and a natural perception of their own voice as well as background noise.
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
48
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Notch TherapyNotch TherapySignia's unique, patented tinnitus therapy which is proven especially effective against tonal tinnitus.Ocean Waves Therapy SignalOcean Waves Therapy SignalTherapy signals that mimic the sound of the sea to provide a soothing listening experience and reduce the impact of tinnitus.4Static Therapy SignalStatic Therapy SignalSoft, gentle therapy signals that reduce the impact of tinnitus.20/5Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefSignia offer tinnitus treatments based on amplified notch therapy or traditional noiser based therapy. It is even possible to combine the two approaches.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Advanced Focus StreamsAdvanced Focus StreamsAdds up to 3 additional focus streams providing the correct amount of boost for each conversation partner's speech while allowing the wearer to stay connected to their environment.3Augmented Focus™Augmented Focus™Separates the focus sound (speech) from surroundings, creating a clear contrast between the two, which makes it easier to follow conversations.Conversation BoosterConversation BoosterDetermines the optimal balance of speech enhancement & noise reduction to augment speech while preserving the acoustic environment.5/5Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimzation, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.5/5Focus StreamFocus StreamEnhances speech signals from the front hemisphere.1Speech & Noise ManagementSpeech & Noise ManagementReduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.SpeechStabilizerSpeechStabilizerPreserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech understanding.Surrounding StreamSurrounding StreamProcesses environmental sounds to preserve environmental awareness without masking speech.1
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.