LYNGE, DENMARK — Signia, part of WSA, has introduced Signia Multi-adaptive Xperience (MaX), a new hearing aid platform built around what the company calls Acoustic Intelligence — a system that uses four task-specific deep neural networks (DNNs) to simultaneously analyze speech, noise, environmental conditions, and the wearer’s own voice.
The Pure Charge&Go MaX receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid is the first device built on the new platform. Signia says the MaX chip provides 54 times more processing power than its previous generation, along with 50% greater energy efficiency and twice the memory to support continuous, real-time processing.
According to Signia, the goal of the new architecture is to move beyond using artificial intelligence primarily for individual functions such as noise reduction. Instead, the four DNNs operate together and share information to help the hearing aids respond to a broader picture of what is happening around the wearer.
“We know that the biggest unmet need for hearing aid wearers is the ability to fully engage in the dynamic group conversations that happen in noisy, multi-talker environments,” said Jose Alves, Head of Signia. “With Signia MaX, we’ve moved beyond the limitations of one-dimensional AI, unlocking system intelligence that understands the full moment. Acoustic Intelligence represents a new frontier in AI sound processing, fundamentally reimagining what hearing care professionals can offer their patients – and what patients can expect from their hearing aids.”
Four Deep Neural Networks Working Together
Acoustic Intelligence incorporates four DNNs, each assigned to a different aspect of the listening environment:
- Speech Detection analyzes and isolates speech signals.
- Own Voice Detection identifies the wearer’s own voice.
- Scene Analysis evaluates characteristics of the surrounding acoustic environment.
- Noise Processing identifies and responds to different types and locations of noise.
Those networks work together to control four corresponding features: RealTime Conversation EnhancementAI, Own Voice ProcessingAI, Ambient Scene AdaptationAI, and Dynamic Noise ControlAI.
During an in-person conversation with Andrew Bellavia at Signia’s pre-launch event in Munich, Barinder Samra, MSc, Global Senior Commercial Audiology Manager, described the architecture as a “4-core brain,” with each DNN specializing in a particular component of the sound environment while contributing to a coordinated processing strategy.
Samra explained that the aim is not simply to enhance individual features independently, but to give the system a broader understanding of the wearer’s listening situation so that the different processing systems can work together in real time.
Speech Processing Evolves from Signia IX
Signia’s RealTime Conversation Enhancement was introduced with the previous Integrated Xperience (IX) platform to track and enhance multiple conversation partners. With MaX, the feature becomes RealTime Conversation EnhancementAI.
Samra explained that whereas IX used a machine-learning algorithm to identify acoustic characteristics associated with speech, MaX uses a DNN trained specifically to analyze, detect, and isolate speech. According to Signia, the new system processes 75% more data points per second than the version used with IX.
The company says the overall Acoustic Intelligence system was trained using approximately 40 million samples encompassing speech, own-voice signals, noise, environmental scenes, multiple languages, and other sounds.
Signia also cites company white-paper research reporting that 97% of participants performed better with MaX in noisy group conversations compared with key competing devices, and that MaX ranked first for signal-to-noise-ratio performance in group conversation testing.1,2
Automatic Own-Voice Processing
Another change from IX involves Signia’s Own Voice Processing technology. Previous versions required the clinician and wearer to complete an in-office training procedure so the hearing aids could learn the acoustic characteristics of the wearer’s voice.
With Own Voice ProcessingAI, that training step is no longer required. The dedicated DNN is designed to recognize the wearer’s own voice automatically from the outset.
Samra said removing the training requirement can simplify the clinical workflow while also making the feature available consistently to users without requiring a separate setup procedure. It could also prove useful in situations such as remote-first fittings, where completing traditional own-voice calibration may be less practical.
Noise, Scene Analysis and User Control
Signia says its Ambient Scene AdaptationAI moves beyond conventional scene classification, continuously evaluating multiple characteristics of the acoustic environment rather than simply moving between fixed listening modes.
Dynamic Noise ControlAI, meanwhile, is designed to distinguish among different types of noise and take into account whether the wearer is participating in conversation before determining how much noise reduction should be applied.
During his conversation with Bellavia, Samra used the example of a wearer entering a noisy restaurant or bar. If the wearer is not yet engaged in conversation, the system may reduce some of the surrounding noise without fully isolating the person from the environment. Once conversation begins, the same acoustic setting can prompt a different processing strategy that places greater emphasis on speech while further managing competing noise.
Despite the emphasis on automatic processing, users retain control through the Signia app and can select alternative programs or make adjustments when their listening intentions differ from what the automatic system determines.
Signia also combines its AI processing with fast ear-to-ear communication so the left and right hearing aids remain synchronized as conditions change, allowing the system to operate as a coordinated binaural pair.
New MaX Chip and Battery Life
The processing system is powered by Signia’s new MaX chip, which the company says delivers 54 times more processing power, 50% greater energy efficiency, and twice the memory compared with the previous generation.
Despite running four DNNs continuously, the rechargeable Pure Charge&Go MaX is rated for up to approximately 30 hours of use, according to Signia.
The hearing aid ships with a compact portable charger capable of storing up to four full charges. A complete charge takes approximately four hours, while a 30-minute quick charge can provide up to six hours of runtime.
Bluetooth Classic, LE Audio, Telecoil and Auracast
Pure Charge&Go MaX also introduces what Signia calls OneConnect Technology, combining several major connectivity technologies within a single device.
The hearing aid supports Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE Audio, telecoil, and Auracast broadcast audio. The combination of Bluetooth Classic and LE Audio is intended to provide broad compatibility across current smartphones and other consumer electronics while preparing the platform for the expanding ecosystem of LE Audio devices.
Bellavia noted during the discussion that connectivity has become an essential part of everyday hearing aid use, extending beyond phone calls to computer meetings, media streaming, and assistive listening systems in public venues.
Signia has also retained a telecoil, providing compatibility with existing hearing loop and other assistive listening systems that continue to be widely used in public venues.
Auracast support is built into the platform, although Signia notes that full Auracast functionality is expected to be enabled through a firmware update delivered through the Signia One app by March 2027.
“With Signia Pure Charge&Go MaX, connectivity no longer needs to define the hearing aid conversation,” Alves said. “Powered by OneConnect technology, it gives hearing care professionals one complete connectivity solution, so they do not need to begin by asking what phone a wearer has. They can focus on the patient’s audiological needs, listening environments, and desired outcomes – knowing they are fitting a device built for today and ready for tomorrow.”
Additional Features and Future MaX Devices
The Pure Charge&Go MaX launches as a rechargeable RIC and will be available in eight colors. Signia has indicated that MaX is a foundational platform that will eventually expand into additional hearing aid styles and form factors.
Other features discussed during the Munich preview included Sound Smoothing 2.0, designed to reduce transient sounds such as keyboard clicks, paper rustling, and similar sudden noises while preserving speech, as well as an updated Signia Assistant.
The Assistant allows wearers to ask questions and request adjustments through the Signia app. Samra said the system can analyze the wearer’s current environment and suggest changes within predefined fitting parameters. Those changes remain visible to the hearing care professional, allowing them to review what adjustments were made during follow-up visits.
Pure Charge&Go MaX is also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance and incorporates a plasma-enhanced coating intended to provide additional protection to internal components.
Andrew Bellavia Shares Firsthand Impressions of MaX
Following the technical sessions in Munich, Bellavia was fitted with pre-release Pure Charge&Go MaX devices and wore them during an organized city tour. He also brought his own Signia IX hearing aids, allowing him to switch between the two platforms during several real-world listening situations.
While in Munich, Andrew Bellavia tested the new Signia MaX hearing aids alongside the previous-generation BCT IX devices to compare their performance in real-world listening environments.
One early test took place in Munich’s busy Marienplatz, where Bellavia was having a casual conversation with others amid surrounding plaza noise. He reported having no difficulty following the conversation while using MaX in its automatic mode.
Out of curiosity, he switched to an omnidirectional setting that reduced the DNN-driven processing. Bellavia said the overall noise level immediately became more apparent, including the sound of a nearby bubbling fountain. When he returned to automatic mode, the fountain was effectively suppressed while conversation remained prominent.
Bellavia continued switching between modes during the city tour and said he consistently preferred the automatic setting with the DNN processing fully engaged.
Later, the group stopped at a beer hall, where approximately a dozen people were seated together at a long table. Although Bellavia described the environment as only moderately loud, he reported being able to understand the group comfortably without significant listening strain.
He then switched from MaX back to his own IX hearing aids. While describing IX as a capable device, Bellavia said the comparison made the older platform sound somewhat more processed, while MaX sounded more natural and easygoing.
“I found the Signia MaX to do an excellent job improving speech awareness and comprehension including in some complex situations. It is a significant step forward for Signia, offering clear and meaningful improvements over previous generations.”
Availability
Signia MaX and the Pure Charge&Go MaX hearing aid are scheduled to become available beginning August 24, 2026, in several markets including the United States, Germany, and the Nordic countries. Signia says additional markets will follow later in 2026.
Watch the Full Interview
Andrew Bellavia spoke with Barinder Samra in Munich ahead of the MaX launch about the new platform, its four-DNN architecture, connectivity, and how the technology differs from Signia IX. Bellavia also shares his initial impressions after wearing the pre-release devices in several real-world listening environments.
References
1. Jensen et al. (2026). Signia Multi-adaptive Xperience outperforms key competitors in group conversation in noise. Signia White Paper.
2. Jensen et al. (2026). Signia Multi-adaptive Xperience with Acoustic Intelligence: Holistic AI-driven enhancement of conversations in noise. Signia White Paper.
