Siemens Hearing Aids Review: A good value or a bad choice?

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Siemens was founded over 140 years ago and it continues to be one of the world’s leading developers of medical technology and electronics. Its hearing aid division was sold to Sivantos in 2015. The new owners then rebranded it as Signia but kept some of the production in Germany. Signia has also continued to produce new hearing aid models, based directly on Siemens’s original technology.

Siemens’ first claim to fame in the field was its use of powerful processors that could “read” their environment and tweak the sounds they process accordingly. Siemens was also one of the first hearing aid manufacturers to add full Bluetooth capabilities to its devices.

Most of Siemens’ Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can be controlled using the dedicated smartphone app, touchConnect. Other models even let you stream music or TV audio directly onto your hearing aid. Finally, the same app also allows you to control a tinnitus-relief signal, and it lets your audiologist calibrate your device remotely.

Some of these improvements are now available from other hearing aid manufacturers. Maybe not surprisingly, Signia is also now using the same app for their Pure and Styletto series.

The following Siemens hearing aid models are still available, both online and at local audiology stores:

• Siemens Micon 5
• Siemens Micon 7
• Siemens Intuis 2
• Siemens Sirion 2
• Siemens Orion 2

Buying a new hearing aid is a complex process, especially if you were never fitted for one before. If you are specifically looking for a Siemens model, this can become even harder for a few reasons:

• Many models have now been rebranded as Signia.
• Some product lines have old models under Siemens and newer versions sold as Signia.
• Neither Siemens nor Signia sell hearing aids directly to the customer. Instead, people are encouraged to visit an audiologist first for a hearing evaluation. This often marks up the price significantly, but for first-time buyers, it can be unavoidable.

If you are seeking to replace your old hearing aid or already have an established relationship with an audiologist, then it will be easier for you to buy a Siemens hearing aid online. You may be able to pay up to 15% less if you buy from an online store rather than a local audiologist. Some online stores will also include extra accessories, such as a one-year supply of batteries or wax guards.

If you try to buy Siemens hearing aids online, you will still need an audiologist to calibrate your new hearing aid and to help you tune it. Additionally, if you are a first-time hearing aid user, you’ll probably need a few follow-up appointments over the first six months. Without these, you may not be able to make the most of your investment.

Conversely, buying a new hearing aid directly from your audiologist will also let you access test runs and financing options for your new hearing device. Most of the time, purchasing in this fashion will include the price of the initial consultation or add a “bundle” of follow-up appointments as part of the listed price.

The prices included below are averages and represent the price of a single hearing aid alone, except where otherwise noted. As you can see, most Siemens hearing aids will sell for $1,000 per hearing aid, at minimum, though there is one older model that you can find for about $600 per device.

The fact that people still look for Siemens hearing aids, even though they’re no longer manufactured, is a testament to their quality and the level of trust the company earned over time.

Siemens hearing aids are more affordable than some cutting-edge hearing aids that are manufactured today, but they’re definitely not the most affordable options you can find, despite their age; you will still pay a higher price for the prestige of the Siemens brand name and the innovation it signified, and there are additional fees to consider as well, which we’ll outline later in this review.

If you’re looking to spend much less money on a device that will provide high-quality hearing, but at the same time you would be more comfortable investing in devices that are still being manufactured, we recommend you check out our MDHearingAid review. Because MDHearingAid controls the entire process of manufacturing, sales and repair, their most popular digital hearing aid will cost $400, which is less than half of the starting price of most Siemens hearing devices – in many cases, more like a third of the Siemens price – even before you pile on the additional fees for Siemens. You buy directly from MDHearingAid, and they help you with fitting and adjustments. Something worth considering.

Named after the Micon microchip that powers it, the Siemens Micon series dates back to 2012. This Micon chip is the one responsible for processing most of the sound detected by the hearing aid and then replicating it in a way that you can perceive.

The Micon chip was originally designed to be a high-end option, but it was then expanded to include simpler, budget-friendly models. This includes minimalistic Inside-the-canal models and larger, more powerful behind-the-ear options. Some of these were later picked up by Signia, which then launched newer versions.

The following two models are still available under the Siemens Micon series:

Price: $1,000 - $1,200 per ear

The Siemens Micon 5 is now a Behind the Ear model created for moderate to severe hearing loss. Focusing on processing sounds to make them clearer and crisper, its main features are:

• Single-use batteries, size 312.
• 5 different settings to manage background noise levels.
• SpeechFocus processing that helps the user recognize their voice and hear it properly.
• Feedback cancellation to prevent tinnitus.

Price: $1,400 - $1,500 per ear

This high-end Behind the Ear option features more channels and higher sensitivity than the Micon 5. This is why most of its features are still used after the brand was “inherited” by Signia, and it was the basis for Signia’s Pure Series. Features include:

• Single-use batteries, size 312.
• 7 different settings to manage background noise levels.
• SpeechFocus processing, which helps the user recognize their own voice and hear it properly
• Side buttons to turn the device off or on.
• The ability to sync up with your smartphone via Bluetooth. This lets you adjust some settings directly from your phone, or activate its “Tinnitus relief” mode.
• Water and dust resistant case (IPX6 rating).

Price: $600 - $800 per ear

The Siemens Intuis 2 is a relatively aged model, but it is still sought by audiologists and clients who want a high-quality budget option. Available in Receiver in Canal, Inside the Ear, and Behind the Ear options, the Intuis 2 uses sound processing software that prioritizes pleasant sounds rather than sensitivity. This makes it more comfortable for new hearing aid wearers.

The model features:

• Single-use batteries, size 312 or 13.
• 5 different settings to manage background noise levels.
• Wind noise reduction, which increases the device’s performance in inclement weather.
• Directional microphones that let you focus on a specific direction or speaker.
• Water and dust resistant case (IPX6 rating).
• A removable soft sleeve meant to increase comfort (for Inside the Ear models).
• A telecoil that allows you to send an audio feed (such as a phone receiver) directly to the hearing aid.

Price: $1,200 – $1,600 per ear

The Siemens Sirion was the first hearing aid to leap into full smartphone compatibility. This model increased the number of settings you can tweak through the touchConnect app, which could now act as a proper remote control. It was also the first Siemens model to include full streaming capabilities. This requires an additional EasyTek accessory that acts as a signal transmitter (and costs about $300), but it allows you to stream music or phone calls directly into the hearing aid without a telecoil or cable.

Other major features include:

• Single-use batteries, size 312 or 13.
• Wind noise reduction, which increases its performance under inclement weather.
• Directional microphones that let you focus on a specific direction or speaker.
• Better water and dust resistance (IPX7 rating).
• Automatic frequency compression (which turns itself on whenever you are dealing with high-frequency noises).
• The possibility to be adjusted or calibrated remotely by your audiologist when needed.

Price: $1,300 – $1,700 per ear

The Siemens Orion model uses the same Bluetooth technology as the Sirion, but with a wider array of possible applications. Its original main feature was the possibility to synchronize both hearing aids so that they could work together without repeating the same sound – but mimicking real-life sound directions.

This model offers most of the main features included in the Sirion (such as wind noise reduction, water and dust resistance, and Bluetooth-powered streaming). But it also adds:

• Single-use batteries, size 312.
• Automatic microphone adaptation: the directional microphones can recognize the direction from which sound is coming, and adjust automatically to better focus on a conversation.
• Using the TouchControl App, it also offers the opportunity to adjust frequency settings or to turn on a tinnitus relief signal.
• Volume control buttons.

Price: $5,000 per pair (starting price)

The Siemens Binax series focuses on improving speech comprehension for patients who need to wear hearing aids on both ears. Their directional microphones can adjust themselves using Bluetooth to identify the strongest or dominant sounds in each direction. This means you will be able to hear what someone is saying even when you are not facing them, or to hear when someone is approaching.

This series includes both Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal models. It also includes a rechargeable-battery model, the 7 Binax Carat. This model has a battery life of up to 16 hours, and it uses the same technology that was then adopted by Signia’s Charge&Go Models.

Other features of the Binax series include:

• Single-use batteries, size 13 (except for the Binax Carat).
• 6 different settings to manage background noise levels.
• 4 directional microphones per side, with the ability to adapt or adjust their settings automatically.
• Speech enhancement software, meant to help users identify consonants better (so other speakers don’t sound like they are “mumbling”).
• Frequency compression (to make high-pitched noises more manageable).
• Bluetooth connectivity between each hearing aid, and between them and a smartphone.
• An “Autophone” mode that can be activated automatically during phone conversations.
• A tinnitus relief signal, which can be activated using the smartphone app.

The final cost of your hearing aids goes far beyond the listed price of the device itself. Depending on the extent and type of your hearing loss, you will likely be recommended a different model.

As a general rule, however, people with more severe hearing loss tend to need bilateral hearing aids, as well as Behind-the-ear models. If you opt for an Inside-the-ear or a Receiver-in-canal model, you will need to add the cost of wax guards or cleaning products (approximately $20 to $60 per year).

You should also look at the cost of batteries for the long term. At first glance, a pack of 6 batteries may feel like a five-dollar drop in a several-thousand-dollar bucket. However, size 13 batteries can last almost twice as long as size 312 batteries. Per year, you may spend between $30 to $60 on size 13 batteries, or close to $100 if you choose a model that runs on size 312 batteries instead.

If cost is a consideration – and particularly if you want a reliable, high-quality hearing aid for vastly improved hearing as opposed to streaming music and other tie-ins – then you might be better off with a different company and you should visit our MDHearingAid reviews before making a decision on this investment. (Incidentally, MDHearingAid also offers our readers a free one-year supply of batteries for its non-rechargeable models; learn more at our review.)

If you have mild, one-sided hearing loss, you will probably only need a hearing aid on one side. Therefore, you won’t need some of the fancier Bluetooth synchronization options offered by the Binax models. On the other hand, a sturdy model like the Intuis 2 will meet most of your needs. You won’t be able to stream music directly from your phone or TV, but you will still increase the clarity of your phone conversations while saving between $500 to $800 dollars per ear.

If you have problems with dexterity or don’t want to risk tweaking tiny buttons on the go, then you should consider the Orion model, which can be fully controlled using your smartphone.

Finally, for severe or two-sided hearing loss, the Binax series will probably offer the best performance. As this model also offers better spatial sound perception, it is frequently recommended for active or very social people. It is a more expensive model than other older Siemens models, but it is also cheaper than the equivalent rechargeable-battery models that Signia introduced after 2015.

Despite being necessary, most insurance companies in the U.S. consider adult hearing aids as “elective devices”, and therefore do not cover them. Medicaid and Medicare do not cover hearing aids either.

If you have an added hearing, vision, and dental plan, you may be able to get a partial refund for the hearing aid itself, or at least for the fitting and hearing consultation. Some insurance networks offer discounts or payment plans if you buy from specific providers.

Conversely, most Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts offer at least partial reimbursement for new hearing aids. As hearing aids can be very expensive, many local audiologist offices also offer payment plans, but these will be subject to their credit checks or requirements.

AARP and some unions also offer discounts on hearing aids for their members. Finally, past active service members and some federal employees can also qualify for special benefits for hearing loss. These can be accessed through Blue Cross Blue Shield or your local Veteran’s Affairs organization.

At Innerbody Research, we customize our evaluation criteria depending on the type and nature of the health service or product. For health devices like Siemens hearing aids, we have five areas that we use for our evaluations, including:

Quality: How well does the company deliver its core service(s) to the customer? Is the quality of the product or service high enough that we would recommend it to loved ones without hesitation? Does the company have a high quality medical review board with oversight? Are their treatment options or products FDA-approved?

Value: Are you getting your money’s worth? Are there any hidden costs or charges? Does the provider offer discounts or free services to our readers?

Customer Support: How well does the company provide information about its product or service? How clearly are options presented?

Privacy: Are all products sent in discreet packaging? Will your data be stored securely? Could your data ever be shared without your permission?

Speed: How fast will you receive your product from the moment you click “buy?” Are the waiting times stated by the company accurate and consistent?