Oticon Intent vs. Signia Active Mini IX

Oticon Intent is a top-tier flagship with excellent lab-verified speech performance, strong streaming and connectivity, and smart features like 4D sensors and fast charging, though its slightly bulkier fit, simpler button controls, and the still early LE Audio and Auracast rollout may be drawbacks for some users.

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.

Oticon Intent achieved a SoundScore of 4.8/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

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.

Intent offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.

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.

With a battery life of up to 20 hours, longer without streaming, Intent should last you all day. This is an improvement over their previous generation Real which offered up to 16 hours.

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.

I found Intent to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.

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.

I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth apps, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.

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.

Oticon Intent were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.

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.

Intent are sleek modern looking prescription hearing aids offering a smaller overall size than their previous generation Real. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

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.

Oticon Intent has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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

Intent are easy to use and adjust either with the multi-function button or Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

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.

Prescription hearing aids like Real are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.

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.