Eargo SE vs Signia Active Pro IX

The Eargo SE is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid at $1,699, featuring an invisible-in-ear design and earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.1/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 85% of the OTC hearing aid category, ranking #56 of 65 devices tested. In our testing, the Eargo SE demonstrated solid performance in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.2/5—0.43 points above the category average. Feedback handling was excellent at 4.6/5, meaning users should experience stable performance without whistling issues. However, the device showed limitations in challenging listening situations, with speech in noise scoring 1.3/5, which falls 0.23 points below the category average. A notable weakness is the complete absence of music streaming capability, scoring 0.0/5 compared to the category average of 1.92/5. Own-voice comfort scored 2.4/5, slightly below the category average. These mixed results suggest the Eargo SE prioritizes its discreet form factor over comprehensive audio features. The Eargo SE may appeal to users who prioritize an invisible design and primarily need help hearing conversations in quieter settings. However, given its premium price point and the availability of alternatives like the Jabra Enhance Select 50R that deliver stronger overall scores at lower prices, value-conscious consumers may want to explore other options before committing.

The Signia Active Pro IX is a premium prescription hearing aid with a visible-in-ear design, priced at $3,199. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.6/5, ranking #8 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This device delivers strong speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scores 4.3/5, which is +0.85 points above the category average—a notable strength for everyday conversations. Speech in noise measures 2.9/5, which is +0.74 points above the category average, though the absolute score reflects mixed performance in challenging listening environments. Own-voice comfort scores a solid 3.3/5, sitting +0.60 points above average, suggesting reasonable naturalness for wearers. Music streaming quality is mixed at 2.9/5, only slightly above the category average (+0.14 points). Feedback handling scores 3.4/5—solid in absolute terms but -1.32 points below the category average of 4.72/5, indicating this device may be more prone to feedback than typical prescription aids in our standardized tests. The Active Pro IX features rechargeable batteries and supports both iPhone and Android streaming with hands-free capability. It earned HearAdvisor's 2024 Expert's Choice Award. Buyers in this premium price tier should note that competitors like the Phonak Sphere Infinio and Oticon Intent score higher overall. Those seeking similar performance at lower cost may want to explore options like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco.