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Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs. Oticon Zeal

Check out our comparison of the Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs Oticon Zeal. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
4.3
Jabra Enhance Select 500
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Featured Products
Jabra

Enhance Select 500

SoundScore 4.3/5
$1,695 per pair
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Score
4.3
Oticon Zeal 1
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Oticon

Zeal 1

SoundScore 4.3/5
$4,598 per pair
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Enhance Select 500
$1,695 per pair
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Zeal
$4,598 per pair
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Product Overview

Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
Score
4.3
Score
4.3
User Rating
3.72 reviews
3.71 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Enhance Select 500
Zeal

HearingTracker Score

Enhance Select 500
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 earned a SoundGrade of A and ranked in the top 5% of devices tested by HearAdvisor. With GN Resound technology, it has an IP68 rating, 30-hour battery life, and reliable Bluetooth. While streaming audio quality was not high-fidelity, the Jabra Enhance App offers good audio personalization. The device includes telehealth and remote programming, though support response times were slower than expected. Lightweight and compact, with larger buttons for ease of use, the receiver-in-canal design may take some adjustment.

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Zeal
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Oticon Zeal is an instant-fit, nearly invisible, rechargeable prescription hearing aid with AI-driven processing and modern Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity for Android and Apple iOS.

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HearAdvisor SoundScore

Enhance Select 500
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 achieved a SoundGrade of A and ranked #9 in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 14% of the 56 OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor.

Zeal
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.26/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Build Quality

Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT

Quality is fantastic when it comes to Jabra hearing aids as they share technology from GN Resound. Select 500 have a solid ingress rating of IP68 and the portable charging case will have no problems handling daily use.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

Zeal offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.

Battery

Enhance Select 500
4.6EXCELLENT

Jabra have stepped up their game with a 30 hour battery life, ensuring you get through the day even with streaming. The case also holds enough power for 3 addition charges which is plenty for a weekend excursion.

Zeal
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

With a battery life of up to 20 hours, Zeal should last you all day.

Bluetooth

Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT

Bluetooth was straightforward and reliable, working seamlessly without any issues. While the streamed audio quality has improved, it needs work before I'd consider it hi-fidelity.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Zeal to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.

App Features

Enhance Select 500
4.5EXCELLENT

The Jabra Enhance App mirrors the useful features available in Resounds medical hearing aid app. I found it to offer plenty of options to personalize audio quality beyond the custom programming.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth health features, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.

Comfort

Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT

I found 500 very comfortable given their shockingly small and lightweight design. The button are also larger than many OTC products making setting changes easier.

Zeal
4.8EXCELLENT

Oticon Zeal were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Zeal to improve comfort.

Design

Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT

Jabra has done a nice job redesigning prescription technology for the direct-to-consumer market. Select 500 is sleek, with a range of stylish colors, and sat discretely behind my ear.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

Zeal are sleek, easy to use, in-the-ear prescription hearing aids. They are nearly invisible in the ear which is extremely impressive given their battery life and wireless capabilities.

Value

Enhance Select 500
3.8AVERAGE

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers above-average sound performance, though similar results are available at lower price points in the OTC category.

Zeal
3.2BELOW AVERAGE

Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

Enhance Select 500
4.5EXCELLENT

500 are easy to use, though receiver-in-canal devices might take a bit of practice. Pro support can assist, and the easy charging case makes on-the-go charging a breeze.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

Zeal are easy to use and adjust with the Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments while testing them.

Pro Support

Enhance Select 500
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE

Jabra has arguably the best pro support offering among OTC devices, providing telehealth with hearing care providers, remote programming, and tech support. However, the support I received while trying Select 500 was slower than expected.

Zeal
5.0EXCELLENT

Prescription hearing aids like Zeal are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Zeal

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Remote Control

Unite Phone Clip++2

Small enough to clip onto your shirt collar, it streams phone calls and audio to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or smartphone.

None
Remote Microphone

Multi Mic+3

A flexible remote microphone that can either be clipped to clothes or used as a tabletop mic for meetings. Use the mini-jack input for streaming audio from a music player to your hearing aids.

None
TV Streamer

Unite TV Streamer 2

Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.

None

Hardware

Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
Mic + Speaker In EarMic + Speaker In EarPlacing a microphone in the ear allows hearing aids to measure the effect that your pinna (outer ear) has on the sound arriving at your eardrum. This may allow the hearing aid to better emulate the natural sound of your ear.
Yes
No
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
No
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Accept/end calls
  • Volume Control
  • Change program
  • Accept/end calls
  • Tinnitus program

Software Features

Enhance Select 500
Zeal
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
12
24
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
No
Neural Noise Suppression: 12 dB / 6 dBNeural Noise SuppressionThe Deep Neural Network is part of MoreSound Intelligence™, which gives precise analysis and balancing of the full sound scene.
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
Better-Ear PriorityBetter-Ear PrioritySome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Binaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality III provides the ultimate balance for supporting natural hearing: a signal-to-noise ratio improvement similar to bilateral directional microphones and a significant benefit in ease of listening compared to other directional microphone strategies.Synchronized SoftSwitching™Synchronized SoftSwitching™SoftSwitching (synchronized between ears) uses sound level and speech detection algorithms to decide when directionality is likely to be advantageous in a certain listening environment. It also offers the same four selections of MultiScope beamwidth settings: the default AutoScope, Narrow, Medium and Wide. The SoftSwitching mode differs from MultiScope Adaptive Directionality in that it uses slower transitions between directional settings and the omnidirectional setting, which is sometimes more comfortable and preferable among certain hearing aid users.
No
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
Virtual Outer Ear: 3 configurationsVirtual Outer EarThree realistic models of the ear pinna to provide better spatial balance.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
Environmental OptimizerEnvironmental OptimizerProvide automatic adjustment of hearing instrument settings.
No
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
3 settings
No
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
Yes
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Clear DynamicsClear DynamicsClear Dynamics expands the input dynamic range, processing input sounds up to 113 dB SPL, to provide better sound quality without distortion and artifact at loud input levels, while still keeping the sound quality of soft input levels intact. Clear Dynamics has an operating range from 5 to 113 dB SPL. With speech cues preserved at high input levels, users enjoy a better listening experience without distortion even in loud environments. Clear Dynamics is especially valuable for users when listening to music or in conversations in busy, dynamic environments, where peaks can often be louder than the available input dynamic range.
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
DFS Ultra IIIDFS Ultra IIIReduces feedback while preserving amplification without compromising sound quality.
Feedback ShieldFeedback ShieldEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibility.MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer (MSO) and Feedback shield work together to counteract acoustic feedback from the receiver to the microphone to prevent audible feedback and gain reductions.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Speech Rescue™Speech Rescue™Makes high frequency sounds more audible
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
No
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
Fully flexible programs: 4Fully flexible programsCustom listening programs
4
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
Synchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance Manager gives a gradual and automatic increase of the gain in the hearing aid over time.
Adaptation ManagementAdaptation ManagementAdapts in 3 steps for gradual user acclimatization to a new hearing aid
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
NoiseTracker™ II: 2 settingsNoiseTracker™ IINoiseTracker II uses a technology called spectral subtraction. Spectral subtraction works by subtracting the short-term noise spectrum from the signal, leaving only the speech portion behind ... ReSound’s NoiseTracker II is able to use spectral subtraction successfully because the Environmental Classifier has identified speech and noise so precisely.
No
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
64
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Soft Speech BoosterSoft Speech BoosterImproves soft speech understanding without turning up the volume.
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
No
Spatial Sound™: 4 estimatorsSpatial Sound™Improves ability to locate the most interesting sounds.
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
Spatial Balancer: 100%Spatial BalancerSpatial Balancer increases the SNR by suppressing individual noise sources, placing them in the background and thereby creating a balanced sound scene.
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Power bassPower bassBoosts bass when streaming.
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Impulse Noise Reduction: On/OffImpulse Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
SuddenSound Stabilizer: 6 ConfigurationsSuddenSound StabilizerSuddenSound Stabilizer monitors the sound environment and instantly adapts amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, balanced, and comfortable.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Tinnitus Sound GeneratorTinnitus Sound GeneratorThe tinnitus sound generator administers sounds that make the disturbing noise less noticeable and draw your attention away from the tinnitus.
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Environment classifierEnvironment classifierAllows clinician to determine where you need hearing help in your daily life.MoreSound Amplifier 3.0MoreSound Amplifier 3.0Sound processing occurs in an adaptive path setup that gives priority to resolution or speed, based on the current sound scene. Including SuddenSound Stabilizer that provides instant and balanced amplification of both soft and loud sudden sounds.MoreSound Intelligence 3.0MoreSound Intelligence 3.0Prevents wind and handling noise from entering the processing in the hearing aid for more comfort and better access to speech. Uses 4D Sensor technology to create a clearer and more distinct contrast between sounds, precisely organizing the spatial sound scene, and intelligently suppressing unwanted noise through the second-generation Deep Neural Network 2.0.Sound EnhancerSound EnhancerDynamic gain primarily for speech, given in complex environments.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Wind Guard: On/OffWind GuardWhen no wind noise is found, the hearing aid constantly updates and stores the sound input levels in each Warp band. Then, when wind is present, WindGuard calculates the amount of gain reduction needed to return to the stored level of the specific bands affected by wind noise.
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.