We address the conditions required for a $mathbb{Z}$ topological classification in the most general form of the non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. Any chirally-symmetric SSH model will possess a conjugated-pseudo-Hermiticity which we show is responsible for a quantized complex Berry phase. Consequently, we provide the first example where the complex Berry phase of a band is used as a quantized invariant to predict the existence of gapless edge modes in a non-Hermitian model. The chirally-broken, $PT$-symmetric model is studied; we suggest an explanation for why the topological invariant is a global property of the Hamiltonian. A geometrical picture is provided by examining eigenvector evolution on the Bloch sphere. We justify our analysis numerically and discuss relevant applications.
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