Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs. ReSound Vivia

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.

ReSound Vivia packs flagship AI processing into one of the smallest microRIE designs we’ve tested, delivering crisp sound in quiet, excellent all-day battery life, and best-in-class LE Audio/Auracast connectivity, even if its AI noise reduction isn’t as dominant as the marketing suggests in the toughest listening environments.

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.

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE achieved a SoundScore of 3.94/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #20 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

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.

Resound Vivia microRIE have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

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.

Vivia microRIE offer all-day battery life up to 30 hours, with 24 hours being more typical. The portable charger is also robust and will recharge Vivia in 3 hours.

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.

Vivia are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. They are also Bluetooth Auracast enabled.

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.

I found Resound's Smart3D app easy to use with many useful features, including "Check My Fit" which helps with correct insertion. The app unfortunately lacks health and fitness tracking.

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.

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

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.

Vivia are sleek, smaller than ever, and modern looking prescription hearing aids. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

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

Resound Vivia 9 60S microRIE has a value score of 3.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

Vivia are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or Smart3D app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

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.

Prescription hearing aids like Vivia are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Smart3D app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.