Hearing loss, be it mild, moderate, or severe, takes a toll on your day-to-day life. From constantly cranking the volume to asking people to repeat themselves, you want to get back to feeling like yourself again - and you have more options than ever before.

Two of the most popular prescription brands are Signia vs Starkey hearing aids. There’s quite a bit of overlap here. For example:

• Each offers high-quality Bluetooth connectivity
• Both require a prescription and fitting from a licensed audiologist
• You can customize devices with an app to fit your environment and lifestyle
• Hearing aids across both lineups are “premium,” and priced accordingly

The differences become clearer when you dig deeper into Starkey vs Signia hearing aids, though. We put together this comparison guide to help you narrow it down to one or the other. This chart below outlines what matters most.

Your best bet is to consult a licensed audiologist near you for more personalized support, because hearing loss is so individualized. But, people struggling with mild to moderate hearing loss (which is most people with hearing loss, for that matter) may not need this level of support.

Audien Hearing makes it quick and easy to buy hearing aids online. We’ve built a lineup of high-quality over-the-counter (OTC) devices that perform wonderfully for mild to moderate loss, and our affordable hearing aids are a fraction of those from Signia and Starkey. 

Get in touch with our team today to find out if you may be a good candidate for the best OTC hearing aids! Otherwise, you can learn more about Signia vs Starkey hearing aids below.

Overview of Signia Hearing Aids

Signia is a German brand known for pushing the envelope on hearing aid innovation. It used to be part of Siemens, but today it operates under the WS Audiology umbrella.

These hearing aids take speech clarity and sound personalization to a new level, especially in dynamic or noisy environments. That’s just part of what makes them a really popular choice, though.

Popular Models 

You gain access to a wide spectrum of behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) models through Signia. Most are rechargeable, Bluetooth-compatible, and support app-based adjustments.

The newer IX platform (Integrated Xperience) uses multi-beamformer technology to detect and prioritize multiple speakers in real time, essentially helping you understand speech better in group settings. Here’s a closer look at the standout devices from Signia:

• Pure Charge&Go IX: RIC model with rechargeable battery, powered by the IX platform with real-time speech tracking. It supports Bluetooth streaming (iOS & Android). Usually around $2,200-$3,500 per pair
• Styletto IX: Sleek RIC design with portable Qi-charging case. One of the most stylish hearing aids you’ll come across, with no compromise on performance. Available in a few different colors, and typically costs $2,300-$3,800 per pair.
• Silk Charge&Go IX: Ready-to-wear CIC style with rechargeable battery. Designed for discretion and ease of use (no molding necessary). More affordable at $2,000-$3,400 per pair.
• Insio Charge&Go AX: Custom-molded ITE solution with Bluetooth, rechargeability, and AI-driven sound processing. Starts near $2,400, depending on level and features. 

You can choose from multiple technology tiers (3AX, 5AX, 7AX, or IX equivalents) across the lineup. Audiologists use this to match device performance to your exact hearing profile and lifestyle. 

Cost and Accessibility

Signia hearing aids are only available through licensed hearing care providers and cannot be bought OTC. The evaluation, fitting, and programming process is entirely clinic-driven. This ensures a good fit, but it also creates quite the hassle - and leads to higher costs.

That said, Signia models often come in slightly more affordable than comparable premium devices from other manufacturers - especially when you’re looking at Starkey vs Signia hearing aids side-by-side. However, costs depend more on the technology tier and the provider’s service bundle than brand alone. Many patients see similar per-pair pricing once like-for-like tech levels and clinics are compared.

You might see the same in comparing Signia vs Jabra hearing aids or Phonak vs Signia hearing aids, too. But be clear, affordability is still relative in this case. You can expect to pay over $2,000, no matter which Signia device you end up with. 

Let’s look at the other side of our Signia vs Starkey hearing aids comparison below. 

Overview of Starkey Hearing Aids

Starkey is one of the only major U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturers, headquartered in Minnesota. The brand has been innovating hearing support for 50 years, and lately has focused on making its hearing aids feel more like smart wearables than traditional medical devices.

Starkey is best known for incorporating sensors and AI into its hearing aids, supporting features such as real-time activity tracking, fall detection, and cognitive monitoring. Their Genesis AI platform is the newest and most advanced system to date, offering improved sound quality, battery life, and on-device processing. Here’s a look at the lineup:

Popular Models 

Starkey hearing aids serve all levels of hearing loss, but their invisible-in-canal (IIC) and in-the-ear (ITE) formats are the most popular. Devices include:

• Genesis AI RIC RT: RIC with rechargeable battery and telecoil, integrated AI-based environmental adaptation and fall alerts. My Starkey app integration with health metrics tracking. Roughly $2,500-$4,000 per pair.
• Genesis AI ITE/ITC: Custom-molded ITE solution with integrated sensors for heart rate, activity, and cognitive engagement. Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling are included, too. Starting at $2,600-$4,200 per pair
• Genesis AI mRIC: Micro RIC option for a lower-profile fit - with the same processor and sound performance as full-size RIC RT. This more discreet option is usually $2,400-$3,800 per pair. 
• Signature Series (IIC & CIC): Fully invisible for the most discreet fit. Built on Genesis platform with exceptional speech clarity and feedback suppression - but lacks Bluetooth. Most affordable at $2,000-$3,200 per pair. 

Unlike most manufacturers, Starkey builds and assembles all custom products in-house in the US. This not only supports our economy but brings turnaround time down while improving quality control for ITE and CIC fittings. 

As you can imagine, though, this comes at a cost…

Cost and Accessibility

Like Signia, these devices from Starkey are distributed exclusively through hearing care professionals. You’ll need to get a hearing evaluation and in-person fitting, and any custom product requires ear canal impressions. So, the process is more involved.

It’s also more expensive. Compared to Signia, Starkey often comes in at the higher end of the spectrum - especially if you go with their fully custom, sensor-rich models. You do get what you pay for, though.

But, someone with mild to moderate hearing loss (which is what most people with hearing loss face) could find EITHER side of the Signia vs Starkey hearing aids comparison “overkill.” That’s where our devices at Audien Hearing come in. They could be a better fit, starting at $98.

We’ll talk more about our lineup later on - first, let’s fully unpack the Starkey vs Signia hearing aids differences below for those suffering from severe hearing loss who need a more sophisticated device.

Starkey vs Signia Hearing Aids: Key Differences to Consider

Both brands sit at the top tier of prescription hearing aids, but they’re actually pretty different when you take a closer look at Starkey vs Signia hearing aids side by side.

Signia goes above and beyond to improve speech-in-noise performance and sound personalization, especially in dynamic group settings. Starkey focuses more on health integration and user independence with custom-molded options and built-in wellness features.

Remember, a licensed audiologist is your best bet if you’re struggling with severe hearing loss and aren’t sure whether you should go with Signia vs Starkey hearing aids. They can make a more informed recommendation. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know…

Sound Processing and Adaptability

Signia’s IX platform is designed with dynamic conversation environments in mind - a common challenge those with hearing loss face. The multi-beamformer tech can isolate multiple speakers in real time, helping you keep up in group or noisy settings.

The system prioritizes clarity without sounding overly processed, and transitions seamlessly and automatically between environments. You’ll hear just as clearly in a chaotic restaurant as you will in the car on the way home.

Starkey’s Genesis AI platform also adapts well to complex listening situations, with a layer of user interactivity built in. The system doesn’t just adjust passively. It learns from how you respond to different environments.

This is a powerful feature for patients who like a more hands-on approach to managing their sound. But, other patients will prefer the more seamless, set-it-and-forget-it style of Signia’s processing. One isn’t inherently better - but one is the smarter choice for you.

Fit and Wearability

Starkey typically has the edge when it comes to custom-molded in-ear devices. The brand’s IIC and CIC models are discreet, well-vented, and tailored to individual ear anatomy in-house. 

This might be the deciding factor if you’ve tried other hearing aids in the past and found they were just not quite right. OR - if you’re focused on finding support that lets you fly under the radar.

Signia offers a wide range of form factors, too, ranging from instant-fit CICs to slim RIC and BTE styles with rechargeable features and aesthetic finishes. There’s a bit more variety in their lineup - but you don’t get the same level of personalization as far as fit goes. 

While the Starkey fitting process is more long-winded, the end result is usually a better-fitting device that’s built with your long-term comfort in mind. 

Health and Convenience Features

This is one of the most important distinctions between Signia vs Starkey hearing aids. Signia is more narrowly tuned to auditory performance, which isn’t a bad thing. That’s what you’d expect from a hearing aid manufacturer. Their AI-driven features are designed to optimize sound well.

However, Starkey goes beyond what you’d expect as its hearing aids act as hybrid wellness devices simultaneously. Features include fall detection, step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and even reminders for taking medication in select models. 

This can ultimately be what helps you choose between Starkey vs Signia hearing aids if you’re an older adult looking to consolidate the devices you rely on daily, or a caregiver looking to make life easier. 

Support and User Control

Both brands offer app-based controls, so this is a bit of a wash between Signia vs Starkey hearing aids.

Starkey’s My Starkey app has a strong, clean interface that supports not just volume and environment controls but also access to wellness data and caregiver alerts - as we just touched on above. The wearer gets a higher level of independence.

In contrast, Signia’s app is a bit more streamlined. The priority appears to have been ease of use over customization depth. You can make quick adjustments on the fly and get more advanced remote audiologist support if need be. 

Provider Network and Professional Fitting Experience

Another important note in comparing Starkey vs Signia hearing aids is neither is available direct-to-consumer. You’ll need evaluation and fitting by a licensed audiologist either way.

That said, Signia is typically more available across chain networks and large group practices, which can make scheduling fittings and follow-ups easier - especially if you’re in an urban area.

As we mentioned earlier, Starkey’s custom-molded devices require impressions and sometimes longer turnaround times. But the quality of that fitting process is often more individualized. Availability and follow-up support vary by provider and region; your local clinic can confirm specific models and services.

Price Range and Insurance Options

You can expect to pay a premium whether you go with Signia vs Starkey hearing aids. Neither is “cheap.” However, Signia’s broader model lineup means there's often a lower-cost entry point, especially at mid-tier tech levels. It’s the more flexible option for patients working with a budget.

Starkey devices (especially those with custom molds and wellness sensors) tend to be priced at the higher end. Insurance coverage varies, but Starkey’s added features sometimes qualify for broader reimbursement through health-focused plans.

You can compare other options, like the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle Ear sell, in our blog. Or, you can take a moment to consider a simpler, more affordable option at Audien Hearing if you’re just dealing with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Consider Audien Hearing if You’re One of the Many Struggling With Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

You’re not alone if you’ve been struggling with mild to moderate hearing loss, and feel that the prescription route is more support than you need. In fact, this is the experience most people with early-stage hearing loss have. That’s where Audien Hearing comes in.

We don’t compete directly with Signia or Starkey, as we serve a totally different user. Our devices are tailored for those who want simple, effective, and affordable hearing support without the layers of cost and complexity that come with traditional audiology channels.

Prescription hearing aids are indicated for more complex needs or greater degrees of loss. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild–to–moderate loss and aren’t suitable for severe or medically complex cases. Our hearing aids are engineered for ease of use, comfort, and clarity. We’ve stripped away the unnecessary extras that inflate cost, and focused on what matters most: sound amplification that makes daily life easier. Models include:

• Atom One ($98): Entry-level model for simple, discreet support. Just a single hearing mode with a 24 hour battery life.
• Atom Pro 2 ($239): Discreet and powerful with 4 hearing modes, background noise cancellation, and up to 48 hours of battery life with the included portable charging case. UV cleaning keeps things hygienic between uses.
• ION ($389): Get clear speech in dynamic settings with directional sound technology, 4 hearing modes, and a compact design with 48-hour battery life. Comes with a charging case and background noise filtering.
• ION Pro ($589): Most advanced OTC model with 6 hearing modes, Bluetooth streaming, app-based volume control, and the same long-lasting battery and portable case. For tech-savvy users who want full control.

Each model is backed by direct support from our US-based team and a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free in your own environment. We can also help you figure out which model best suits your hearing profile. 

Whether you’ve noticed difficulty hearing conversations in restaurants or find yourself constantly asking others to repeat themselves, we offer a practical path forward without the prescription, clinic visit, or custom fitting. 

“I have had excellent support with my Audien hearing aids, I have gone for a long time without being able to afford prescription hearing aids. It's a relief to see Audien hearing aids provided to those who need an affordable aid.” - Joel

“My father is in his 90s and cannot afford prescription hearing aides. This is an excellent product that makes hearing not only a pleasure, but his life has improved just by reducing stress and anxiety going to doctors and negotiating with insurance companies and pharmacies!” - Norman

“I did my research and decided the Audien Pro 2 was worth the trial. Since owning them for a month it’s made conversation and TV watching like it use to. This was a wise choice and I highly recommend this company and product.” - Daniel

Wrapping Up Our Signia vs Starkey Hearing Aids Comparison

The right fit between Signia vs Starkey hearing aids depends on your needs, lifestyle, and how much support you want from your provider. Signia devices offer sleek, high-tech performance at a lower cost, while Starkey brings strong in-ear health features and advanced personalization.

Both offer excellent sound quality and wireless control, but neither makes sense if you just need support for mild to moderate hearing loss. From the best hearing aids under $200 to the best hearing aid under $100, your search for simpler, more affordable OTC models ends here at Audien Hearing. 

Browse our OTC hearing aids built for mild to moderate hearing loss - no prescription needed!