Phonak vs Signia
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
Phonak and Signia (formerly Siemens Hearing Instruments) have long histories of advanced technology and customer service. Both companies are members of the “Big Six” club of multinational companies, meaning they are two of the biggest players in the industry. Below, we’ll take a closer look at both providers so you can decide which one is best for your hearing needs.
An Introduction to Phonak
- World’s first extended-wear hearing aids
- Hearing aids for seniors with cochlear implants
- Our pick for Bluetooth features
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
An Introduction to Signia
- Stylish hearing aid designs
- Industry-leader for rechargeable hearing aids
- Broad product lineup
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth capability | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
| Customer service | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, Online form | Online form, FAQ, videos |
| Accompanying App | Yes | Yes, several |
| Website |
Our Experience with Phonak and Signia
I’ve fit patients with Phonak and Signia products for years. They both offer a full range of behind-the-ear and custom receiver-in-canal (BTE and RIC) products that fit hearing losses ranging from mild to profound.
Under the hood, the hearing aids are very similar with a few minor exceptions. Phonak’s current Marvel line allows for direct streaming to both iOS and select Android devices. Signia can stream directly to iOS devices but requires an intermediary device to link up to Bluetooth. If you’re looking for Bluetooth compatibility that doesn’t require an extra device, Phonak will be the better bet.
Reader's Tip: Want more information on direct streaming and Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids? Our latest hearing aid guide provides everything you need to know about streaming, along with all of the other important features to consider.
Phonak offers a wide variety of quality hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.
Comparing Phonak and Signia Hearing Aids
Signia’s most unique product is the Styletto, a very slim RIC device that looks nothing like other hearing aids. It functions the same as other products but certainly stands out for style and design. Signia is also recognized as an industry-leader in rechargeable hearing aid technology. Their latest rechargeable models come with inductive charging, which doesn’t require charging contacts that are notorious for corroding over time.
Signia Styletto Hearing Aids
Phonak’s Marvel platform reintroduces integrated wireless communication through their “Roger” system of advanced remote microphones. These devices significantly improve speech understanding in background noise. The Roger includes the receiver in the hearing aid, which reduces the hearing aid’s size and makes the price of their BTE devices more competitive. Phonak also offers the Lyric, an “extended wear” ICC (invisible-in-canal) device. Unlike traditional hearing aids, this device is worn 24/7 and must be replaced every three to four months by a professional. For patients with severe hearing loss, Phonak is partnered with cochlear implant manufacturer Advanced Bionics to provide a truly integrated “bimodal” system of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and HAT devices.
Audeo Receiver in the Canal
Want to compare Phonak and Signia to other leading providers? Head over to our best hearing aids for seniors page.
A Quick Note on Pricing
In order to find out the exact cost of hearing aids from either company, you will need to contact a hearing aid professional that sells that company’s products. These companies don’t advertise hearing aid prices directly online. You’ll find more information on how to purchase hearing aids in our Phonak and Signia pricing pages.
Wrapping up Our Thoughts on Phonak and Signia
Signia provides a very comprehensive line of products with solid connectivity to Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) products and smartphone apps. They offer solutions for mild to profound hearing loss. The technology behind Signia’s devices has been around for decades and has always proven reliable for my patients. For more on Signia hearing aid products, read our 2023 Signia review.
Phonak offers an immense product line to suit the needs of a variety of customers with mild to profound hearing loss. The company prides itself on providing the world’s only extended-wear hearing aid and their compatibility with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants. For more details, see this year’s Phonak review.
Take Our Free Online Hearing Test
Wondering if you have hearing loss?
Grab your headphones and get an evaluation in minutes.
