Signia Styletto AX
New Product Alert
In March 2024, Signia launched the new Styletto IX hearing aid, which is designed to improve hearing in multi-talker conversations and noise. However, the Styletto AX is still available.
Signia Styletto AX is a slim-bodied hearing aid that fits comfortably behind most ears, and plays well with glasses. You should consider Styletto if you want a comfortable and attractive hearing aid that is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Who is Styletto AX for?
- The Signia Styletto AX is appropriate for a wide range of hearing losses from mild to severe; this product is not intended for the pediatric population.
- If you would like a slim and lightweight RIC hearing aid design that's less likely to interfere with wearing glasses, this hearing aid may be a good option for you.
- If you are often in complex and challenging listening environments and consider yourself at least minimally tech savvy, then Styletto AX may be a good choice for you.
Styletto AX Features
Styletto AX, released in September 2022, is a new hearing aid option within the AX technology platform of products. It offers a fully-featured yet stylish, thin and light RIC design. Here are some of the key technology features of Styletto AX.
- Augmented Focus™ – Two different processors are utilized to process speech and background noise separately with the intent of providing improved listening clarity while retaining an immersive soundscape.
- Own Voice Processing 2.0 (OVPTM) – Separate signal processing for your own voice versus sounds in your environment to help improve overall listening comfort and make your amplified voice sound more natural. Only available with binaural (both) ear fittings.
- Signia Assistant – Allows for personalization of your hearing aids in real-world settings via the Signia app. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is utilized to learn what adjustments you make in what environments, resulting in programming changes that reflect your preferences and hearing capabilities.
- My WellBeing – Fitness tracking available within the Signia smart phone app. Provides information on steps taken, overall activity level, hearing aid wearing time, and estimated social interaction (conversations).
Pros
- Slim, lightweight, and cosmetically appealing design
- Both iOS and Android connectivity, and hands-free calling with iOS compatible phones
- Tinnitus features come standard, including both notched amplification and noise therapy signals
- Rechargeable with two options for chargers
- Own Voice Processing may improve overall satisfaction with hearing aids by improving the quality and comfort of wearer's own voice
- Fitness tracker includes steps taken and time spent in conversation
- Tap control to start/stop streaming (iOS)
- CROS/BiCROS option for single-sided-deafness (SSD)
Cons
- No hands-free calling with Android phones without accessory
- No on-board controls for volume or program change; control via smart app or remote control
- No telecoil option
- Limited wearer adjustments (volume only) for tinnitus therapy signal
- No disposable battery option
Who makes Styletto AX
Signia, a company in the WS Audiology manufacturing brand, has a long history of hearing aid innovation which began with the German company Siemens well over a hundred years ago. WS Audiology is a company formed by Sivantos which had purchased the Siemens hearing aid brand in 2015 then merged with Widex in 2019.
WS Audiology manufacturers several brands of hearing aids including Signia, Widex, and Rexton. They also own numerous retail brands such as HearUSA, Helix Hearing Care, and Hear.com, among others.
AX Chip Provides Better Speech Understanding, Signia Claims
Styletto AX incorporates the new AX chip platform. According to Signia, the AX platform provides reduced audio latency between hearing aids, a faster audio transfer rate, and improved battery life compared to its predecessor, the X platform.
Signia further claims that the AX platform can provide improved understanding in noise compared to other methods of signal processing. In a small internal study, their dual stream signal processing, called Augmented Focus, was compared to two leading competitors.
The findings suggest that in a restaurant scenario (lab conditions), the Signia AX performed significantly better than two competitors and Augmented Focus provides a statistically significant advantage for speech understanding in noise. This study was conducted with both normal-hearing and hearing-impaired participants.
However, keep in mind that you're listening not in a lab under controlled conditions, but in real-life situations. As such, study results can be helpful but should not be taken as absolute proof that you, with your unique hearing loss and listening situations, will have perfect hearing in every situation.
This simply isn't possible and certainly isn't a claim Signia is making. Also, keep in mind that if you have a significant hearing loss with poor speech understanding even in quiet, no hearing aid can overcome the inherent loss of your auditory system.
Still, what the study does tell us is that Augmented Focus did make a difference to the listeners in the two different noise situations within the study. It also tells us that, again in the specific test conditions of the study (restaurant), the AX hearing aid performed better than some of its competitors.
What this means for you is that any of the AX hearing aids, including the new Styletto AX, can provide excellent sound quality in a wide range of listening environments. Happily, Augmented Focus is available in all 3 technology tiers (7AX, 5AX, and 3AX), allowing you choose a tier that best fits your listening needs and your budget.
User Experience
Some wearers are reporting that the light and slim device is comfortable to wear all day, even when wearing glasses. The product is cosmetically appealing and hides nicely behind the ear.
Signia’s Styletto design, first introduced in 2018, is reported to be “the world’s first SLIM-RIC hearing aid that features a slim and stylish design that breaks down stigma.” The company claims that the unique slim styling is preferred by 8 out of 10 wearers.
There are many positive comments in the HearingTracker Forum for the Signia Charge-and-Go 7AX which runs on the same platform as Styletto AX. However, because of its relative newness, there are only a few comments that specifically mention Styletto.
For example, Reginald in November 2022 says:
Signia's Styletto AX7, after testing several brands for months, they just sounded and behaved the best to me. Plus I’m happy with all the customisation options in their Connex fitting software.
Wireless Connectivity
Styletto AX uses Bluetooth® to connect directly with iOS and select Android devices for audio streaming to your hearing aids, including phone calls and other media. Streaming is made possible via the Made For iPhone (MFi) protocol and Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid (ASHA), for iPhone and Android respectively. Both protocols use Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) to minimize battery use.
If you want to connect to a non-compatible device, another option is available with the StreamLine Mic, an optional accessory that provides hands-free and stereo audio streaming from most Bluetooth devices. The accessory comes at an additional cost to the hearing aids, but it can also work as a remote microphone.
If you have significant difficulty hearing in noisy environments even with well-fit hearing aids or need to hear at a distance, the StreamLine Mic may help you. For example, it can be used in a lecture hall or in a house of worship or at a noisy restaurant. The StreamLine Mic, working as a remote microphone, can transmit up to a distance of approximately 66 feet.
Another accessory that is available is the StreamLine TV transmitter. Once connected to your TV, the transmitter sends stereo sound directly to your hearing aids allowing you to adjust the volume to your preference. It can also help improve the overall sound clarity of the TV signal as the TV audio is streamed directly into your hearing aids.
Please keep in mind that the Signia AX technology platform only supports one active Bluetooth connection at a time. That is, you can pair numerous devices but only one device can be connected at any given time. For those that utilize several devices throughout the day, especially if you have multiple phones, this can be a bit problematic.
Finally, for a full and current list of compatible products, visit the Signia website.
Phone Calls and Styletto AX
Styletto hearing aids are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, allowing you to stream audio directly to your hearing aids from your phone, laptop, or other compatible device.
For compatible Apple devices you can also use your hearing aids as a hands-free headset. That is, your hearing aids will act as both a microphone and a receiver. In this way, there’s no need to speak into your phone, and the person on the other line will still hear you and you’ll hear their voice in your hearing aids.
With Android phones, Styletto will stream calls directly to the hearing aids, but they do not offer hands-free calling—you’ll just have to speak into the phone like you normally would for the other person to hear you.
Function | Android | iPhone |
---|---|---|
Call audio streaming | Supported via ASHA | Supported via MFi |
Hands-free calling | Accessory required | Supported via MFi |
Should you need hands-free with your Android device, you can use the StreamLine Mic accessory, as noted in the “Connectivity” section above. The StreamLine Mic doubles as a remote microphone that can be used for hearing at a distance up to 32 yards (e.g., in a church or lecture hall) or in noise by streaming the speaker’s voice directly into your hearing aids so you can hear them as if they were standing right next to you.
The company's CallControl technology uses special processing to reduce background noise during phone conversations and provide more clarity and intelligibility for patients in noisy scenarios.
In one online review, a wearer noted that phone calls with her AX hearing aids and her Apple phone were clear and the hands-free option provided good sound quality for the listener on the other end.
Styletto AX allows for the start/stop of streaming via a tap control on the hearing aids. This is advantageous as the hearing aids do not have any controls, like a push button, available on the housing. What this means is that, with a quick double tap of the hearing aid, a phone call or other streamed audio can be started or ended. Once (dis)connected a short tone will play through the hearing aids confirming the change. (Note that this feature is not available for Android devices, and phone calls and/or streaming are started/ended via the phone or other device.)
Tap controls can take some practice to work the control properly; some wearers find it too difficult to use. This is true for other manufacturers that also offer this feature, such as Phonak.
Battery Charging
Styletto AX utilizes lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Two different chargers are available including the Styletto portable charger that also acts as a power bank allowing for up to 4 full charges on the go. This is one more than its competitors.
A Styletto Dry&Clean charger is also available. As the name suggests, the charger not only charges the hearing aid batteries but also helps to dry out the hearing aids and utilizes a UVC light to help clean the hearing aids.
In addition, Signia offers Qi wireless technology that allows you to simply place the portable charger on the Qi pad instead of having to plug it in. This might be beneficial if you have difficulty placing the charging plug onto the portable charger (e.g., if you have vision or dexterity issues).
Signia notes that you should expect up to 20 hours of use on a full charge if you aren't streaming audio. If you are streaming, they report up to 17 hours of use with 5 hours of streaming time. Regardless, you will get more than a full day's use with a full charge.
A full charge takes approximately 4 hours; however, if you're in a hurry, only 30 minutes of charging should give you approximately 5 hours of wearing time.
Device Controls
Styletto AX does not have any controls on the device and, as such, will require the Signia App for changes to such controls as volume and program change.
However, as noted above, compatible iOS (Apple) devices can utilize a tap feature for accepting and ending a phone call. With a quick double tap of the hearing aid, a phone call or other streamed audio can be started or ended.
Program and volume changes can be made within the Signia App or with an optional simple remote control (miniPocket). Additional control is available within the app for features such as tone control and fine tuning of the directional microphones.
The Signia App
The Signia App is available for both Android and Apple smart phones and can be downloaded from the Google Play and the Apple App Store at no charge. The current version of the app at the time of this writing is 2.6.10 and was released in October 2022. That update, along with several previous versions, provided general updates and bug fixes.
The overall rating for the app is low—2.6 and 2.2 (out of 5) for Google and Apple, respectively. Primary complaints seem to be Bluetooth connectivity issues and the inability to adjust two hearing aids independently, other than volume.
It should be noted that many hearing aid manufacturer's apps are not rated highly and, with the latest bug fixes, a future higher rating is possible.
To check if your device is compatible with your Signia App, please visit their compatibility website for the most up-to-date information. Currently, the website notes that it is compatible with all Apple devices with iOS version 13.0 or higher. Android devices will require Android 8.0 and higher.
My Wellbeing fitness app
Signia App allows for a wide range of functionality from simple controls to advanced functions. The My Wellbeing health feature tracks your number of steps taken, overall activity level, hearing aid wearing time and estimated social interaction (conversations).
You and/or your Hearing Care Provider (HCP) can set goals for overall wearing time and amount of time spent in social listening environments. You can also set personal fitness goals such as number of steps taken in a day.
Fitness apps, although not new, are a somewhat new addition to hearing aid apps. Several companies, including Starkey and Phonak, are incorporating fitness and listening goals into their apps with the intent of improving overall wellness.
Remote Assistant
Signia App also incorporates the AI assisted fine-tuning feature called Signia Assistant. This feature allows you to adjust your hearing aids in real-time in your distinct listening environments. This can help improve the sound quality of the hearing aids and allows for personalization of the programming without having to return to the clinic.
Signia Assistant can also answer simple questions about your hearing aids such as how to adjust them or how to properly charge them. Built-in troubleshooting guides and videos are also available within the app.
It should be noted that you will need to be online for the Signia Assistant to work properly. Also, any programming changes that are made via the Signia Assistant are only applied to the universal listening program. So, for example, if you are hoping to improve the sound of your streaming audio, Signia Assistant cannot help.
Styletto AX Sound Quality
You can expect excellent sound quality from the Styletto AX hearing aids. Augmented Focus technology is designed to process speech and background noise separately, offering “outstanding speech clarity in a fully immersive soundscape,” according to Signia.
Additionally, Own Voice Processing 2.0, available in binaural (two ears) fittings, separates signal processing for your own voice versus sounds in your environment to help improve overall listening comfort and make your amplified voice sound more natural.
The AX platform has also been designed to reduce audio latency between hearing aids, with faster transfer of audio data compared to its predecessor, the X platform. This improves sound quality by reducing the "lag time" between signals processed in your hearing aid and the naturally occurring sound that passes into your ear canal.
Own Voice Processing (OVP)
Signia takes a unique approach for the common hearing aid complaint of "my own voice sounds too loud or strange". If you've worn hearing aids before, you know that adjusting to the sound of your own voice while wearing the hearing aids can be difficult. With OVP, your voice is recognized by the hearing instruments and then minimized to help ensure listening comfort; this is done without sacrificing sounds that you need to hear.
Currently, Signia is the only company to offer this technology (the previous version of OVP is available on the Xperience platform), and for those who have struggled with the sound of their own voice through the hearing aids, this can be a significant feature in improving overall satisfaction. It should be noted that OVP is only possible with binaural fittings (both ears), and both instruments require directional capability. In other words, 4 microphones are needed to accomplish OVP.
Longevity and Maintenance
Like many of Signia's and other manufacturer's products, Styletto AX has an IP 68 rating. This means the product is resistant to both moisture and dust and can even be submerged in water up to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for up to 30 minutes. However, this doesn't mean the hearing aids are waterproof, and we don't recommend you go swimming in them or forget to take them off before stepping in the shower! What it does mean is that the hearing aids likely will be more robust and need repair less often than a hearing aid without the rating.
The Styletto AX is also rechargeable and the lithium-ion battery is sealed, making the product even more resistant to moisture. This can also help prolong the life of the hearing aid.
However, like those in your cell phone, rechargeable batteries do have a limited life. According to Signia, you can expect 80% of the battery's initial capacity after 2 years of use. This doesn't mean that the rechargeable battery will no longer work after 2 years, but it's likely that your wearing time after a full charge will be less than what it was when the hearing aid was new. This is not unique to Signia and is true for all rechargeable batteries in most applications, not just hearing aids.
In general, you should expect to get a minimum of 2 years use out of the hearing aids and a maximum of 5-6 years. This will, of course, depend on the conditions and how you utilize the hearing aids, as well as how well you maintain them.
Where can you buy Styletto AX?
Styletto AX can be purchased at many local Hearing Care Providers. You can also begin your hearing healthcare journey online via Hear.com; which is an online service owned by WS Audiology. This is just one such service available to those seeking to purchase hearing aids and some may find the approach beneficial.
The service provides a free consultation over the phone and can guide you through the hearing aid purchasing process. For example, they can discuss your hearing loss, listening needs, health insurance benefits, and answer any questions that you might have. Keep in mind that your local HCP can also do this, and which approach you take is really a matter of personal choice.
Biggest Drawback of Styletto AX
One of the biggest drawbacks, at least for some people, may be the inability to control the device without using the smart phone app or a remote control. While there is a tap feature to start/stop streaming, this can be difficult for some wearers to learn or use effectively. Although, in theory, you shouldn't need a push-button control for a completely automatic hearing aid like Styletto AX, at HearingTracker we're fans of having a way to change the volume/program settings when the app isn't readily available.
Additionally, unlike some of Signia's competitors, there are no disposable battery models in the Styletto product line. Some people prefer disposable batteries because, as noted above, rechargeable batteries gradually lose their power capacity through the years, just like like cell phones do. Additionally, if you travel or go camping to remote locations, you may find it hard to plug in the recharger (although Styletto AX does offer 4 days of recharging).
Alternatives to the Styletto hearing aids
There are several possible alternative Receiver-In-Canal products to Styletto AX, including:
- Phonak Lumity is an all-rechargeable line of RIC hearing aids which are also designed for challenging listening environments but, unlike Styletto AX, feature hands-free connectivity for both Android and Apple iOS phones.
- ReSound OMNIA is a RIC hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming capabilities similar to Styletto AX, but offers two models that use disposable batteries, has one of the best-rated apps in the industry, and a unique third-microphone technology called M&RIE for more “organic hearing.”
- Oticon Real, like its predecessor Oticon More, is a RIC hearing aid with similar Bluetooth streaming capabilities in either rechargeable or disposable battery models. Real uses Oticon’s new Polaris R chip with BrainHearing and DNN technology for better speech understanding in noise while reducing the annoyance of wind and handling sounds.
- Starkey Genesis AI entails a complete line of hearing aid styles, including RICs, that offers Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling for both Apple and Android phones in rechargeable and disposable battery models. Billed as "all-new-everything," Genesis AI features a powerful chip platform, new DNN and listening-in-noise technology, exceptional battery life and durability, while retaining the health and wellness functions of Starkey's previous Evolv AI aids.
All of the above have a push-buttons on the hearing aid along with app-based controls, but do not have the slim and unique styling of Styletto AX.
Styletto AX FAQs
While there are no controls on the hearing aids, you can make adjustments with the Signia App or via a simple remote control called the miniPocket. The app can be downloaded at no charge but the accessory is usually an additional cost.
Part of the unique styling of Styletto AX is the color options available. That is, multiple two-tone options are availalbe such as black/silver; blue/silver and four other two-tone options. Three solid colors are also available.
The Bluetooth protocol, even the new Low Energy (LE) protocol, requires additional drain on the hearing aid battery above and beyond the current drain of the hearing aid processing and amplification. This is not unique to Signia or to hearing aids and is simply a fact of the technology. New hearing aids have improved their battery efficiency, however, and even if you stream several hours a day, your rechargeable battery should give you a full day's use on a single charge.
Angela Flores, AuD
Doctor of AudiologyAngela Flores received her Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of South Alabama and completed her CFY at Mayo Clinic. She received her AuD from Salus University in 2009. She worked clinically with Mayo Clinic and the University of Florida Pediatric Program for over 8 years. Dr. Flores currently works as an adjunct professor for the University of New Hampshire and as a consultant.