Test report: Signia Active IX ITC

The Signia Active IX ITC in review

Here we take a look at a hearing aid from an affordable price range that is worn in the ear. It is called Active IX ITC and comes from the manufacturer Signia. It can be used by anyone with a mild to moderate hearing need who desires a discreet, small hearing aid. With its acoustically optimal fit in the ear, it has very good sound characteristics.

Hearing comfort

Good speech understanding is a given in modern hearing aids. Equally important is hearing comfort. Only when the relationship between speech transmission and the level of background noise is balanced will hearing be perceived as pleasant. That's why we take a look at the comfort features: In the Active IX ITC, we find only the absolute essentials when it comes to hearing comfort. Normal ambient noises like street noise, the sound of a vacuum cleaner, or that from a fan should be suppressed by classic noise reduction. While this Signia hearing aid does offer some noise reduction, it is not very strong and not further adjustable.

The impulse sound management in this device is not really recommendable. Short, loud noises still sound pretty harsh. We found a basic wind detection feature, but unfortunately, nothing is adjustable there. We have to forgo spatial hearing with the Active IX ITC, but at least the microphones can be switched to a focus mode. The number of equalizer bands is very important for adapting to hearing needs. The ITC only provides 8, which doesn't allow for many long-term fine-tuning options.

Sometimes, your audiologist is not around when a hearing problem arises. The Active IX ITC assists you with its app, as there is a special assistant that makes precise adjustments to your hearing moment based on artificial intelligence.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,5

Signia Active IX ITC:

Operation & connectivity

Everyone has their own unique hearing needs. It's advantageous if you can customize your hearing aids beyond the automatic functions. In our test, we discovered the following access options: We couldn't find a button, which is unfortunate. Let's take a look further. A very practical feature is the small remote control, which is available optionally. For us, this is one of the most convenient ways to adjust the volume of the hearing aid or switch to another hearing program. No one notices it, and there's no need to touch the ear.

In the test, we did not find any voice control options. This feature isn't strictly necessary, but we would have appreciated it. There is no control of the hearing aids with a simple touch in this Signia model, as specific sensors would have been needed in the casing.

As is common today, we also find a smartphone app for the Active IX ITC. This app includes solid basic functions and adds a few extras. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option would be nice. The device presented meets our desire and includes a 2.4 GHz wireless module. This allows you to stream phone calls and sounds directly from your smartphone to the hearing aids.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,3

Signia Active IX ITC:

Simplicity & security

To continue taking the perspective of hearing aid users, we also need a test for everyday usability. Here's what we found: We don't necessarily experience simple, comfortable hearing with the Active IX ITC. In a quieter daily life, one can manage quite well, but as soon as you have a varied listening experience, manual adjustments are unavoidable. Very important in terms of simplicity is the support during the acclimatization process. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can sometimes be difficult to perceive everything at a natural volume. In our test device, there is an acclimatization manager that helps us with very small volume adjustments throughout the adjustment phase. After several weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

The Active IX ITC is rechargeable and no longer requires hearing aid batteries. This is environmentally friendly, as there are no old batteries to dispose of. At the same time, it is also extremely convenient, as no spare batteries need to be carried. The hearing aids simply go into the charging station in the evening and are ready for use the next morning.

The Active IX is nearly dustproof and waterproof and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,0

Signia Active IX ITC:

Extras

Now we have looked at the most important features of the hearing aid. But before we reach the end, we want to know if there are any additional functions: a tinnitus program would be an additional bonus. Many people suffering from their ear noise could benefit from this. Unfortunately, the Active IX ITC does not have a tinnitus option and loses a few points in the test.

Signia is keeping up with the times and offers a forward-looking feature with the remote adjustment service. Working individuals with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a longer commute to the specialist shop also benefit from this special service.

Many hearing aids still come with a few health functions today. However, since the Active IX ITC does not have any specific sensors for that, we cannot present any particular features here. The hearing aid forgoes additional functions such as special assistance systems, a fall alarm, or language translators. This is not a big deal, as it does not affect the important hearing functions.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: Signia Active IX ITC

With a final grade of 3.28, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It has a quite decent comfort level on board, which is sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfying listening experience.

 

Our Signia Active IX ITC review was created on November 14, 2024 and lastly updated on December 10, 2024. The overall rating of 3,28 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What size is the Signia Active IX ITC?

Large or small relates to the outward effect. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Signia Active IX ITC is in the size category S. This means it appears medium-sized.

How well do I hear with the Signia Active IX ITC?

This hearing aid scores a total rating of 4.5 (poor) in the area of "hearing comfort." The rating is composed of various components. Important criteria: Noise suppression only achieves 1 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Signia Active IX ITC is 8 (the best in class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we rate the device as 'fair' (only 1 out of 5 stars).

Is the Signia Active IX ITC suitable for me?

The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by hearing acousticians as the "fitting range." Signia has determined the fitting range for the Active IX ITC to be: mild to moderate hearing loss. Have a professional hearing test conducted at a hearing acoustics business near you, then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.

What does the Signia Active IX ITC cost?

Is the Active IX ITC from Signia expensive or affordable? It is currently priced in Germany at approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (3.3 (satisfactory)) and, above all, in relation to the rating in the area of noise suppression (only 1 out of 5 stars).

 

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