  We consider a class of one-dimensional non-Hermitian models with a special
type of a chiral symmetry which is related to pseudo-Hermiticity. We show that
the topology of a Hamiltonian belonging to this symmetry class is determined by
a hidden Chern number described by an effective 2D Hermitian Hamiltonian
$H^{\rm eff} (k, \eta)$, where $\eta$ is the imaginary part of the energy. This
Chern number manifests itself as topologically protected in-gap end states at
zero real part of the energy. We show that the bulk-boundary correspondence
coming from the hidden Chern number is robust and immune to non-Hermitian skin
effect. We introduce a minimal model Hamiltonian supporting topologically
nontrivial phases in this symmetry class, derive its topological phase diagram
and calculate the end states originating from the hidden Chern number.
