Signia’s Pure Charge&Go BCT IX is the newest model in the IX platform lineup. While it retains the same underlying audiological engine as the original Pure Charge&Go IX, this device introduces a handful of well-considered design and connectivity enhancements aimed at addressing real-world user frustrations.
Rather than replace the IX line, the BCT IX expands it, offering an alternative for wearers who value streamlined Bluetooth connectivity and ease of use.
- What’s New in the BCT IX?
- Building Upon the Existing IX Platform
- Addition of Bluetooth Classic
- Long Battery Life and Charging Convenience
- Improved Everyday Usability
- App Support with Built-In Flexibility
- Continued Support for Advanced Streaming
- Final Thoughts
Overview: What’s New in the BCT IX?
The BCT IX builds on the existing Pure Charge&Go IX by offering several new features intended to improve ease of use, comfort, and everyday practicality.
Key Features of the Signia BCT IX:
Bluetooth Classic Integration for stable, widely compatible streaming- IX Platform Technology with multi-beam split processing for improved focus in noise
- Enhanced Ergonomics including a tactile push button, LED charge indicator, and a visible serial number window
- Compact Form Factor with no increase in size despite added features
- Up to 36 Hours Battery Life with 5 hours of streaming on a single charge
- Portable Charger that stores three additional full charges
- Signia Assistant with real-time adjustments via deep neural network in the app
- Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) to maintain binaural streaming with low latency
- Manual and Automatic Beam Width Adjustments for better control in dynamic listening environments
- Updated Accessories including a new backwards-compatible TV connector
Bluetooth Classic Integration for stable, widely compatible streamingReintroducing a Strong Audiological Foundation
The system uses multiple beams to track speakers and preserve ambient sound, which is designed to help wearers follow conversations without needing to turn toward each voice.
The BCT IX maintains the IX platform’s core strength: split processing technology. This system uses directional microphones to create multiple simultaneous beams that can track and prioritize multiple speakers in noisy environments. One beam handles background sound to preserve environmental context, while the others focus on conversation, helping wearers follow speech without needing to turn their head toward each talker.
As Lisa Perhacs, Senior Manager of Clinical Development at WS Audiology, described in a recent discussion with Andrew Bellavia, “You’re able to seamlessly follow the conversation with multiple talkers in noisy situations without having to turn and look at who’s talking.”
Bluetooth Classic: Solving Today’s Connectivity Challenges
A major change in the BCT IX hearing aid is its use of Bluetooth Classic, a departure from the LE Audio-ready version of the original IX. While LE Audio holds long-term promise, Signia’s decision was driven by current realities. According to Signia, their support team receives thousands of connectivity-related calls annually, many stemming from confusion or limitations tied to newer Bluetooth protocols.
Mike O’Neil, President of Wholesale for WS Audiology US, explained in a recent interview with Andrew Bellavia on the release of the BCT IX, “Bluetooth Classic connects to 99% of Bluetooth devices. It’s a highly relevant technology and platform and a very reliable Bluetooth connection.”
Importantly, Signia did not simply add Bluetooth Classic to the existing chip. Instead, they redesigned the IX chip to accommodate the new connectivity method without sacrificing audiological performance or increasing physical size. The result is a hearing aid that works reliably across devices, regardless of the user’s smartphone platform or tech comfort level.
Long Battery Life and Charging Convenience
Despite the switch to Bluetooth Classic—a known power draw—the BCT IX offers notable battery performance. Users can expect up to 36 hours of battery life with 5 hours of streaming, or 54 hours total without streaming.
The BCT IX is compatible with both a desktop or portable charger option
The portable charger also includes three additional full charges, making the device a strong choice for users with active lifestyles.
Improved Everyday Usability
Several new physical design features offer clear utility. A tactile push button improves ease of use for individuals with dexterity challenges. An LED indicator makes it simple to verify charging status, and a viewing window allows quick access to the serial number—a feature appreciated by both patients and providers.
These enhancements may seem minor, but they reflect an important design philosophy: remove barriers to confident use. As O’Neil noted, “People just want stuff that works.”
App Support with Built-In Flexibility
The BCT IX is compatible with the Signia app, which includes the Signia Assistant—a virtual support feature powered by a live deep neural network. The assistant allows wearers to adjust their hearing settings using intuitive prompts, bypassing the complexity of traditional equalizer-style apps.
Changes are made in real-time and are reversible. Providers can later view adjustments in the fitting software, preserving clinical oversight. Perhacs explained, “They can make these changes, but there’s an easy way that they can revert back…They didn’t ruin their hearing aids.”
Continued Support for Advanced Streaming
Thanks to Signia’s continued use of near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) for ear-to-ear communication, binaural synchronization is preserved even during Bluetooth Classic streaming. This helps avoid latency issues and maintains consistent audio quality across both ears—a known challenge for many streaming solutions.
This system also supports other key features such as beamforming, CROS/BiCROS compatibility, and long battery life. For users with diverse connectivity needs, the BCT IX is backward-compatible with existing accessories and will soon include an updated TV connector.
Final Thoughts
The BCT IX is not a reinvention of the IX platform, but it is a meaningful evolution. With added focus on connectivity, usability, and reliability, this update responds directly to wearer and provider feedback. The new physical features are pragmatic. The Bluetooth Classic support meets users where they are today. And the app-based assistant offers increased personalization without complexity.
By building on the strengths of the IX while removing key sources of friction, the Pure Charge&Go BCT IX provides a more accessible, more adaptable version of an already capable hearing aid.
