Comparing the Signia Active IX Range: Active Pro IX vs. Active IX

Discover the key differences between the Signia Active Pro IX and Active IX models to make an informed decision.

Introduction

The Signia Active IX range redefines what modern hearing aids can be—combining cutting-edge technology with a sleek, earbud-inspired design. Tailored for the tech-savvy individual who values both form and function, the Active IX series offers two distinct models: Active Pro IX and Active IX. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the features and benefits of each model, ensuring you select the perfect hearing aid to enhance your lifestyle.

If you're ready to purchase a device from the Signia Active IX range, visit here for detailed product information and purchasing options.

Understanding the Signia Active IX Models

Active Pro IX - The Premium Choice

• Top-tier Performance: Offers the most advanced features and highest level of sound processing.

• Ideal For: Individuals in dynamic and challenging listening environments who demand the best technology.

Active IX - The Essential Companion

• Core Functionalities: Provides essential features suitable for everyday listening needs.

• Ideal For: Users seeking reliable performance in less demanding environments.

Feature Table for Signia Active IX and Active Pro IX

Features	Active Pro IX	Active IX
RealTime Conversation Enhancement	●●●●●
Provides uninterrupted engagement in noisy group conversations by seamlessly tracking the locations of all conversation partners and enhancing their speech.
Conversation Dynamics Analyzer	✓
Analyzes conversation dynamics including turn-taking and timing, locations of pure noise without speech, and levels of background noise.
Conversation Source Analyzer	✓
Constantly scouts the acoustic environment to identify number of talkers and their location.
Dynamic Focus Streams	3
Isolate and track speech independently.
Conversation Booster	●●●●●
Dynamically enhances individual speakers.
Augmented Focus	✓	✓
Separates the focus sound (speech) from surrounding sounds, creating a strong contrast.
Focus Stream	1	1
Enhances speech signals from the front hemisphere.
Surrounding Stream	1	1
Processes environmental sounds to preserve environmental awareness without masking speech.
Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0	●●●●●	●●
Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimization, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.
Spatial SpeechFocus	✓
Steers directional microphone beam to the dominant speech source (left, right, or behind the wearer automatically in a car situation or in a dedicated "Strolling" program).
SpeechFocus	✓
Depending on the direction of the dominant speech source, Speech Focus steers the directional beam behind the wearer, or engages a surround-sound mode for speech from either side. Available for fittings with directional microphones.
Own Voice Processing 2.0 (OVP™ 2.0)	✓
Uses real-time recognition of the wearer's voice to deliver a natural own-voice impression.
Motion Sensor	✓
Detects whether the wearer is walking, running, or sitting still to guide how sound is optimized.
Binaural Directionality	✓
Provides scientifically proven enhanced speech understanding in noise.
Adaptive Directionality	✓
Improves the signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments by reducing dominant noise sources from the back and sides. The polar plot is adjusted continuously in multiple frequency channels.
Automatic Directionality	✓	✓
Improves the signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments by automatically and seamlessly applying directionality in individual processing channels.
TruEar 360	✓	✓
Reproduces benefits of the natural pinna effect by highlighting the difference between front and back sources of sound.
SpeechStabilizer	✓	✓
Preserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech understanding.
Speech and Noise Management	✓	✓
Reduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.
e2e wireless 4.0	✓	✓
Controls coupling, synchronization, CROS/BiCROS, and a range of sound features.
Extended Bandwidth	✓
12 kHz bandwidth for enhanced processing of high-frequency speech and environmental sounds.
Auto EchoShield	✓
Automatically reduces the effect of reverberations and sudden loud noises in reverberant environments.
Reverberant Room Program	✓
Dedicated program for reverberant environments.
SoundSmoothing™	●●●●●	●
Reduces the annoyance of sudden loud impact sound such as when handling glassware.
eWindScreen™	●●●●●	●
Reduces the interference of wind noise when outdoors.
Extended Dynamic Range	✓	✓
117 dB 24-bit processing for enhanced digital encoding of soft and loud sounds.
Feedback Cancellation	✓	✓
High-speed monitoring and control of feedback in individual processing channels.
Spatial Configurator	✓
Allows the wearer to adjust the direction of the microphone beam via the Signia App.
My WellBeing	✓
Accessed via the Signia App, wearers can get insights about their hearing aid usage, social interaction levels, daily step count, and overall activity level.
Signia Assistant	✓	✓
Offers wearers instant 24/7 troubleshooting and customized sound adjustments via an intuitive AI-enabled chat. Provides detailed information in Connexx to address each client's fine-tuning needs more precisely.
Signia App (iOS and Android)	✓	✓
Easy-to-use smartphone app enables remote control adjustments, audio streaming, access to My WellBeing, and support via Signia Assistant and TeleCare.
Adaptive Streaming Volume	✓	✓
Speech intelligibility-weighted adaptation of the streaming volume depending on the level of ambient noise.
TeleCare	✓	✓
Provides remote services including the TeleCare Dashboard, Remote Fine Tuning, and CareChat (text messages, phone calls, and video calls).
Direct Streaming for iOS (MFi) & Android (LE Audio & ASHA)	✓	✓
Hearing aids can be paired to Apple iOS devices and Android devices using ASHA or LE Audio for direct streaming of audio such as phone calls and music.
HandsFree	✓	✓
Enables truly hands-free calling. The wearer's voice is picked up by the hearing aid microphone and delivered in high quality to the conversation partner, while the call audio is streamed directly to the wearer's hearing aids.
CallControl	✓	✓
Calls can be answered, ended, and ignored with a simple press of the hearing aid button.
StreamLine Mic Compatibility	✓	✓
Stream high-quality stereo sound directly from any Bluetooth device. Can also be used as a remote mic.
StreamLine TV Compatibility	✓	✓
Stream high-quality stereo sound directly from TV to hearing aids via Bluetooth.
miniPocket Compatibility	✓	✓
Optional keychain remote control.
Ocean Waves Therapy Signal (Presets)	4
Therapy signals that mimic the sound of the sea to provide a soothing listening experience and reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Static Therapy Signal (Channels / Presets)	20/5
Soft, gentle therapy signals that reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Notch Therapy	✓	✓
Signia's unique, patented tinnitus therapy which is proven especially effective against tonal tinnitus.
Tinnitus Noise Therapy Manager	✓	✓
A choice of tinnitus treatments based on traditional noise therapy signals, amplified notch therapy, or a combination of the two approaches.
Processing Channels / Gain & MPO Handles	48/20	16/8
Number of processing channels/handles in Connexx.
HD Music	3
Preset optimized music programs for enhanced enjoyment of non-streamed music.
Hearing Programs	6	4
Number of programs configurable in Connexx.
CROS/BiCROS Compatibility	✓	✓
A CROS device worn on an ear with unaidable hearing loss transmits sound to a hearing aid worn on the better ear.
Frequency Compression	✓	✓
Improves the detection of speech sounds for wearers with reduced high-frequency hearing thresholds. Frequency compression is selectively activated based on audiological criteria.
Smart Optimizer and Data Logging	✓	✓
Tailored fine-tuning recommendations based on logging and analysis of the wearer's hearing aid use.
Acclimatization Manager	✓	✓
Allows the wearer to benefit from enhanced audibility in the longer term, while enjoying optimal device acceptance when initially fitted.
InSituGram	✓	✓
Allows quick and convenient measurement of hearing thresholds with the hearing aids in place.
AutoFit™	✓	✓
Automatically provides an optimized real-ear insertion gain (REIG) setting without the need to manually match targets, enabling significantly faster real-ear verification.

Detailed Comparison of Features

RealTime Conversation Enhancement

• Active Pro IX: ●●●●● (Maximum capacity)

• Active IX: Not Available

Provides uninterrupted engagement in noisy group conversations by enhancing speech from all directions.

Dynamic Focus Streams

• Active Pro IX: 3 Streams

• Active IX: Not Available

Isolates and tracks multiple speech sources independently for clearer understanding.

Conversation Dynamics Analyzer & Conversation Source Analyzer

• Active Pro IX: Available

• Active IX: Not Available

Analyses conversation dynamics and constantly scouts the acoustic environment to identify talkers and their locations.

Own Voice Processing 2.0 (OVP™ 2.0)

• Active Pro IX: Available

• Active IX: Not Available

Enhances the natural perception of your own voice, improving overall listening comfort.

Processing Channels

• Active Pro IX: 48 Channels

• Active IX: 16 Channels

More channels allow for finer sound customisation and better sound quality.

Augmented Focus

• Both Models: Available

Separates speech from surrounding sounds, creating a strong contrast for clearer conversations.

Additional Features

• Extended Bandwidth (12 kHz): Available in Active Pro IX

• Auto EchoShield: Available in Active Pro IX

• Spatial SpeechFocus: Available in Active Pro IX

• Adaptive Directionality: Available in Active Pro IX

• Signia Assistant & TeleCare: Available in both models

Who Should Choose Which Model?

Active Pro IX - For the Tech Enthusiast

If you frequently find yourself in dynamic and noisy environments—like bustling offices, social gatherings, or outdoor activities—the Active Pro IX is tailored for you. Its advanced features like RealTime Conversation Enhancement and Dynamic Focus Streams ensure you never miss a word, no matter the setting.

Key Benefits:

• Superior Sound Processing: 48 processing channels for precise customization.

• Advanced Speech Enhancement: Features like Conversation Dynamics Analyzer and Own Voice Processing 2.0 enhance communication clarity.

• Adaptive Features: Technologies like Auto EchoShield and Spatial SpeechFocus adapt to various environments for optimal hearing.

Active IX - For Everyday Reliability

The Active IX is perfect for users who need dependable performance in daily activities without the extra bells and whistles. It offers essential features that provide solid support in standard listening environments.

Key Benefits:

• Simplicity and Ease: Straightforward features make it user-friendly.

• Essential Support: Augmented Focus ensures speech clarity in everyday situations.

• Cost-Effective: An affordable option without compromising on essential functionalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of processing channels?

Processing channels determine how finely the hearing aid can adjust and customize sounds. More channels, like the 48 in Active Pro IX, allow for better sound quality and personalized hearing experiences.

Is the Own Voice Processing feature important?

Yes, Own Voice Processing 2.0 enhances the naturalness of your own voice, making conversations more comfortable and less tiring. This feature is available in the Active Pro IX model.

Do both models support the Signia App?

Yes, both models are compatible with the Signia App, allowing for remote control adjustments, audio streaming, and access to features like Signia Assistant and TeleCare.

Can I upgrade my hearing aid's technology level later?

Hearing aids are typically fixed at their technology level. If you anticipate needing advanced features in the future, consider investing in the Active Pro IX upfront.

How do I know which model suits my hearing loss?

It's crucial to take the online hearing test or provide an audiogram so our hearing care professional can assess your hearing loss and ascertain if your selected model is suitable for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hearing aid is a significant decision that can greatly impact your quality of life. The Signia Active IX range offers two excellent options to cater to different needs and budgets. By understanding the key features and differences between the Active Pro IX and Active IX models, you can select the perfect hearing aid to enhance your listening experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

• Contact Us: Have questions or need personalised advice? Get in touch with Pocket Hearing.

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