Industry Update: Signia IX
You may have noticed High Peak Hearing was closed last Friday 8th September, this was due to me attending an exclusive event: the launch of Signia's latest hearing aid portfolio at the Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch, London.
Now, let's dive into why this event was so significant and what I learned about Signia's latest innovations in hearing technology.
Who Are Signia?
Apart from being my former employer, Signia have a rich history in hearing technology. They believe that their latest portfolio represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of hearing devices.
The Power of Conversation
The central theme of the day was "conversations." Historically, hearing aid research primarily occurred in controlled lab environments, which didn't always reflect real-world conversations and users' experiences. Signia recognised the need to shift their focus towards enabling conversations and human interaction.
We delved into the three components of conversation as Signia sees them:
1. Social Interaction This encompasses communication between at least two individuals, considering variations in speech style, context, and non-verbal cues.
2. Selective Hearing: Our brain's incredible ability to focus on one person's speech while actively ignoring surrounding noise. The brain doesn't discard background information; it steers our attention away from it.
3. Multi-Stream Processing: Signia's research indicates that individuals with hearing loss can monitor several sound streams and navigate between them. Effective amplification and their latest technology offering, Signia Integrated Xperience, can further enhance this capability.
Signia Integrated Xperience (IX)
All this knowledge led to the unveiling of Signia's new product portfolio: Signia IX. One groundbreaking feature is its support for multi-stream processing, actively tracking and monitoring multiple speakers in dynamic listening environments. This is a game-changer in hearing enhancement, with 95% of wearers showing improved performance in group conversations.
Signia Silk IX – Now Rechargeable
The Signia Silk IX, the world's first and only ready-to-wear completely in-the-canal hearing aid, is now rechargeable. It offers over 24 hours of wear time on a single charge and features fast charging, providing six hours of use with just 30 minutes of charging.
Quick Replacement Service for Silk IX
Signia now offers a quick replacement service for Silk IX, minimizing downtime for hearing aid wearers. This service is a significant convenience, especially when compared to the typical 1-2 week turnaround for custom hearing aid repairs.
Signia Charge & Go IX – Up to 36 Hours of Charge
For those seeking uncompromising performance, the Signia Charge & Go IX offers up to 36 hours of usage on one charge. It also continues to provide a telecoil option, a feature that many hearing aid wearers value.
Signia IX Connectivity
The hearing aids can connect to both iPhone and Android devices via an app for adjustments. Accessories such as a TV streamer, remote microphone, and remote control remain available. They are also LE Audio ready, a new Bluetooth protocol. You can read more here.
Qi Charging – World's First for Hearing Aids
Signia IX hearing aids are the first to offer Qi wireless charging. This universal charging standard allows you to charge your hearing aids on the go using charging pads, similar to those used for your phone. It makes integrating hearing aids into daily life even more accessible.
Signia App with AI Assistant
Ever found yourself saying, "It sounded okay in the clinic, but as soon as I got outside…" Signia Assistant comes to the rescue, providing personalised adjustments to the hearing aids or directing users to further educational information. It's like having an audiologist at your fingertips.
When Can You Get Signia IX?
The Signia IX hearing aid portfolio is available now, starting from September 2023. High Peak Hearing has already ordered a pair to be fitted on one of our patients.
If you have any questions or would like to explore the benefits of Signia IX for yourself, please don't hesitate to contact us.
