Whether it’s moderate or severe, hearing loss prevents you from living life to the fullest - and often leaves you feeling isolated. But it doesn’t have to be something you just deal with. There are plenty of great options at your disposal, like Oticon vs Signia hearing aids.

But which is better, Oticon or Signia hearing aids? We’ve put together this Signia vs Oticon hearing aids comparison to help you make the most informed choice for your lifestyle and hearing needs. 

Each manufacturer creates high-quality devices loaded with features and backed by excellent after-sales service and strong warranties. Both are prescription devices, meaning you’ll need to work with a licensed audiologist to get either device.

Prescription hearing aids are indicated for more complex or greater degrees of hearing loss. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild–to–moderate loss and aren’t suitable for severe or profound loss. Here are the most important differences:

Here’s the thing, though. Not everyone needs a prescription-grade device. In fact, most people fall into the mild-to-moderate hearing loss category, and may find that the affordable hearing aids we’ve developed at Audien Hearing are actually a better fit!

We allow you to buy hearing aids online over-the-counter (OTC) in just a few clicks with no hearing test or prescription necessary. Devices start at $98 and offer impressive performance for their price. Browse the best OTC hearing aids or get in touch for one-on-one support today!

The Oticon Hearing Aids Lineup

This Danish hearing aid brand brings more than a century of innovation to audiology. As the name implies, the BrainHearing™ design philosophy focuses on supporting the brain’s natural ability to process sound rather than simply boosting volume.

So instead of amplifying everything, Oticon hearing aids actually deliver clearer, more meaningful information to your brain - especially in noisy environments!

Most Oticon devices now run on the Polaris R™ platform, which leverages a Deep Neural Network (DNN) trained on 12 million real-life sound scenes. The tech helps the hearing aid learn what matters in everyday situations, adjusting in real-time to give you more balanced and precise input across frequencies and settings. Popular models include:

• Oticon Real™: Flagship model with real-time wind and handling noise reduction for everyday clarity. Rechargeable. Bluetooth compatible. For mild to severe losses.
• Oticon Intent™: Built on Polaris R with new 4D sensors to detect head and body movement for situational awareness. Rechargeable w/ Bluetooth LE Audio support.
• Oticon Own™: Custom in-the-ear (ITE) models. Discreet but powerful for first-time wearers or those seeking an invisible fit.
• Oticon Zircon™: More affordable option for mild-to-moderate loss, offering essential BrainHearing™ support in a rechargeable format.
• Oticon Xceed: Built specifically for those with severe-to-profound loss, offering high power without distortion and stable connectivity.

Most include app control, streaming support, and a multi-year warranty.

You’ll need a hearing test and a prescription from a licensed audiologist to get Oticon hearing aids, so you don’t have to worry about choosing a model yourself. Your provider will handle all of that for you.

As for pricing, you can generally expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 per pair, depending on the model and provider services. Devices are sold through clinics, not directly online.

We have a more thorough breakdown comparing Costco hearing aids vs Oticon if you want to learn more - but let’s move onto the other half of our Oticon vs Signia hearing aids debate.

The Signia Hearing Aids Lineup

Signia is part of WS Audiology and is known for sleek designs, speech-boosting technology, and user customization. Their latest models are powered by the Integrated Xperience™ platform, helping you track multiple speakers and adapt to real-time group conversation in noisy settings.

Signia uses Augmented Focus™ to separate speech from ambient noise more precisely, and their hearing aids constantly analyze motion and head positioning for better spatial awareness.

You gain access to one of the widest ranges of styles in the industry, especially if you want a device that’s built with discretion and rechargability in mind. Hearing aid models include:

• Pure Charge&Go IX: Behind-the-ear (BTE) model with real-time multi-speaker tracking, rechargeability, and Bluetooth streaming. Designed for mild to severe loss.
• Styletto IX: Slim and stylish design with the same core technology as Pure IX, but in a form factor that looks more like a wearable device than a medical one.
• Silk Charge&Go IX: Completely-in-canal (CIC) rechargeable model that’s nearly invisible and requires no custom molds. Popular with users new to hearing aids.
• Insio Charge&Go AX: Custom-fit in-ear model with full streaming support, designed for comfort and discretion.
• CROS Pure Charge&Go AX: This model streams sound from the unaidable ear to the better one for users with single-sided deafness.

Every Signia model includes access to the Signia app for volume control, hearing mode adjustments, and remote support. But like Oticon, you can’t buy these devices yourself. You’ll need a prescription and fitting from a licensed provider.

That said, these are the more affordable devices in our Oticon vs Signia hearing aids comparison. Expect to shell out between $2,500 to $6,500 per pair, again, depending on the tech level and clinic services.

We’ve written other comparisons for this popular brand, like Signia vs Jabra hearing aids and Phonak vs Signia hearing aids. But let’s zoom in on Signia vs Oticon hearing aids below.

Signia vs Oticon Hearing Aids: Which Brand is Right For You?

Be clear - both Oticon vs Signia hearing aids are premium brands. Each has a strong standing with audiologists and end-users alike. They offer full product lines backed by modern sound processing, rechargeability, mobile apps, and multi-year warranties.

That said, the differences between Signia vs Oticon hearing aids become more apparent when you look closer. They take distinct approaches in how they deliver sound and design their user experience. Let’s start with differences in sound processing.  

Sound Processing

• Oticon: more natural, immersive sound
• Signia: crisp speech in noisy or dynamic spaces

Oticon’s BrainHearing™ approach (powered by the Polaris R™ platform and a trained Deep Neural Network) helps the brain make sense of what it hears, even in complex soundscapes.  Instead of isolating speech alone, Oticon devices allow more ambient sound in. This can feel more natural once you get used to it, but it takes quite a bit of cognitive adjustment upfront.

But while Oticon minimizes filtering to give your brain access to the full sound environment, Signia leans towards prioritizing speech clarity in noisy environments. 

The Augmented Focus™ system and Integrated Xperience™ platform enhance the speaker in front of you while reducing background interference at the same time. This helps a lot in group conversations or social settings, where you may otherwise have trouble isolating voices. The tech actively monitors head movement and speaker direction to shift focus as needed, too.

Design and Fit Options

Both brands offer a full range of BTE, RIC, and ITE styles - you’ll have no trouble finding the optimal fit, whether you go with Oticon vs Signia hearing aids.

That said, Signia invests more in modern, lifestyle-oriented designs. Devices like the Styletto IX or Silk Charge&Go IX do a really impressive job balancing form and function, which appeals to users looking for something sleeker and more discreet. These are more stylish hearing aids. 

Now, Oticon does provide IIC and custom in-ear options through its Own™ series, but the brand’s design ethos leans more traditional and clinically driven. Comfort and acoustic performance are the priorities - not looks. 

Mobile App and User Control

You’re going to get a strong app interface with volume controls, sound environment adjustments, and remote support either way when choosing between Signia vs Oticon hearing aids. This is sort of a toss-up.

But, you could make the case that Signia’s app offers more personalization features out of the box. Its AI-powered Signia Assistant can make automatic adjustments based on feedback and preferences. The app also tracks step count and hearing aid usage stats.

In contrast, Oticon’s app is simpler and more streamlined. You get more control over core settings like volume and programs, but you won’t have access to the same level of real-time personalization as you would with Signia’s platform. 

Rechargeability and Battery Life

Rechargeability is now standard across both brands’ major product lines. It’s just a matter of how long batteries last, and how you can go about keeping your devices charged up.

Oticon Real™, Intent™, and Own™ all offer rechargeable models with contact charging cradles. Battery life averages around 24 hours, including moderate streaming use.

Signia’s Charge&Go models use lithium-ion power with similar runtime. There is an important difference, though. SOME Signia models support contactless charging, while Oticon’s do not. This can be a game-changer for users with dexterity challenges or visual impairments.

Audiology Network and Support

As we said from the get-go, you’ll have to work with licensed audiologists and hearing care clinics to get Oticon or Signia hearing aids. That means every fitting includes professional testing, programming, and follow-up care.

Signiar might have the edge in terms of provider reach since it’s distributed through larger clinic networks and comes with bundled service models. However, both brands are well-represented nationwide.

As for support, that’s all dependent on the specific provider you end up working with. They’ll handle a lot of the fitting and follow-up. But, both companies offer remote programming and adjustments through their apps.

The Cost Conversation

Let’s address the elephant in the room: cost differences between Oticon vs Signia hearing aids.  Signia may be slightly more affordable, but we’re just talking about a few hundred-dollar difference. There’s little cost advantage between the two when comparing like-for-like models.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000 per pair regardless of your decision, dependent of course on technology level, clinic pricing, and whether services (like follow-ups or cleanings) are bundled.

Insurance rarely covers premium hearing aids fully. Some clinics offer financing, but exact costs will vary. This is why many users end up questioning whether they truly need a prescription device, or if they can get the support they need in an affordable OTC device like those we make.

But where does that leave you in choosing between Oticon vs Signia hearing aids?

So, Which is Better, Oticon or Signia Hearing Aids?

There is no universal answer - it all depends on how you want to hear. Key takeaways are:

• Oticon: Often preferred by patients who want a more immersive, natural soundscape with broad environmental awareness.
• Signia: Often chosen by patients who prioritize robust speech-in-noise support and modern, design-forward form factors.

The right choice comes down to your hearing profile, daily environment, lifestyle preferences, and how your brain responds to sound. Your audiologist can help you trial both and determine which system offers the clearest and most comfortable experience for you.

That said, you might find you’re paying for more performance than you need with either of these brands. If you just have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, it’s worth considering OTC options. 

What if You Have Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss and Don’t Need a Prescription Device?

Not everyone with hearing loss needs to go the prescription route. A simpler, more affordable over-the-counter option may offer the clarity and volume boost you need if your hearing loss is mild to moderate, especially in both ears - without the clinic visits or $3,000+ price tag.

Audien Hearing specializes in OTC hearing aids to help people stay connected, confident, and in control without the hassle or expense of traditional options. Our devices are compact, available in ITE or BTE styles, and come pre-programmed to enhance speech and reduce background noise. Here’s a look at the lineup:

• Atom One ($98): Our most compact and affordable model with digital sound processing, a discreet in-ear fit, and up to 24 hours of battery life per charge for first-time users.
• Atom Pro 2 ($239): Adds wireless charging and improved noise reduction. Designed for comfort and clarity throughout the day with even less whistling or feedback.
• ION ($389): BTE style with powerful performance and easy-to-use volume control. Rechargeable and lightweight with simple setup and longer wear time.
• ION Pro ($589): Our most advanced model with directional microphones for better focus on conversations, dual-mode noise filtering, and a BTE design that’s comfortable all-day.

All devices are backed by a 45-day trial and lifetime support. Need help deciding? Our US-based support team is available 24/7 to guide you through the process.

Whether you’re looking for the best hearing aids under $200 or the best hearing aid under $100, Audien Hearing has what you need - backed by world-class customer support from A to Z.

“I have been wearing prescription hearing aids for 3 years. I broke the one for my left ear, and decided to try Audien Hearing these instead of paying over $1000 for a replacement. It arrived today, I adjusted the volume, and it is working as well as the prescription one in my right ear. I'm very pleased.” - JoAnn

“The Audien Atom Pro 2 has opened up a whole new, wonderful world of sound for me. It definitely is better…and cheaper than the $4500 pair my audiologist wanted to sell me.” - Gena

“Over the years I have tried many brands of OTC hearing aids but the customer service of Audien Hearing consistently stands out from the competition.” - Ron

Final Words on Oticon vs Signia Hearing Aids

We hope this Oticon vs Signia hearing aids comparison has left you feeling clear on which brand aligns with your needs and lifestyle. 

There’s quite a bit of overlap, and you really can’t go wrong either way if you’re exploring the prescription route. The differences in design philosophy, app control, and sound personalization are what really set them apart.

Our blog has more comparisons for prescription-grade devices, like hearing aids Costco vs Miracle Ear. But you may not need all this support if you’re just dealing with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. An OTC hearing aid may be a better fit - and can save you thousands.

Audien Hearing offers an easier, more affordable path forward. Explore discreet, rechargeable models starting under $100 backed by exceptional customer care today!