JabraEnhance.com offers world-class Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids from GN, one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers, at significantly reduced prices. Removing the overheads associated with the traditional hearing care model, Jabra Enhance offers long-term telehealth support for a one-time $200 fee, and if you're feeling lucky (see our warnings below), you can save the $200 and forego telehealth support entirely—Jabra Enhance will ship you a pre-programmed and let you take care of yourself.

With hearing aids engineered for ReSound, the flagship brand of Danish hearing aid giant GN Store Nord, and prices that range from $995 to $1,995 per pair, JabraEnhance.com is an excellent choice for tech- and internet-savvy consumers who are relatively confident and self-reliant in addressing their hearing healthcare needs.

Who is behind Jabra Enhance Select and JabraEnhance.com?

JabraEnhance.com started out in New York City in 2019 as Lively Hearing, a venture-backed startup with a focus on delivering hearing aids and professional care remotely. Lively sold Lively-branded ReSound hearing aids, manufactured by GN, to consumers looking for a more modern way of getting hearing help. GN eventually purchased the company in 2021 and rebranded the business Jabra Enhance™.

Other than the branding, not much has changed. The products and services are all very similar. And if you happened to purchase Lively-branded products in the past, don't worry: Jabra Enhance will continue to honor all Lively warranties and service agreements.

What hearing aids does Jabra Enhance Select sell?

JabraEnhance.com primarily sells Jabra Enhance Select over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. For those who are new to Jabra Enhance Select, keep in mind that these hearing aids are essentially Jabra-branded ReSound hearing aids. Jabra's latest models, Enhance Select 500, Enhance Select 300, and Enhance Select 50R are similar in technology to different models of ReSound products. The newer more-premium Enhance Select 500 is based on ReSound Nexia, ReSound's latest-generation flagship product line, while the more budget-friendly Enhance Select 300 is based on ReSound Omnia, and the 50R is based on ReSound Key, ReSound’s "essential" product line.

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All represent good values for their respective technology class. For example, HearAdvisor, an independent testing lab, recognized Jabra Enhance Select 300 as one of the best hearing aids available with its Expert Choice Award, and Select 500 also ranks in the top-5% of OTC aids. Although Select 200, featured in the video below, has now been succeeded by the newer Select 300, this attests to how Jabra is offering exceptional technology at relatively low prices.

In this video, Audiologist Steve Taddei, AuD, uses the independent HearAdvisor lab to review the Jabra Enhance Select 200 hearing aid. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Jabra Enhance also sold the Jabra Enhance Plus, an earbud-style OTC hearing aid, but it was discontinued in October 2024 in favor of the Enhance Select product line offerings.

What we love about Jabra Enhance Select

  • Quality hearing aids
    FDA-compliant OTC hearing aids manufactured by an industry leading manufacturer, suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
  • At-home convenience
    Convenient online purchasing and high-quality remote care, including ongoing hearing aid adjustments
  • Affordable
    You would likely pay more for the same technology at a traditional hearing clinic, especially if you choose the "Basic" package which excludes remote care. Financing is also available
  • Good smartphone app
    The Jabra Enhance Select app is one of the industry's better mobile apps for remote care, controlling settings, streaming music, and taking phone calls
  • Secure purchase
    Comes with a 100-day trial period and up to three-year loss and damage warranty (with "Premium" package)

Limitations

  • Great support, but slow
    Without in-person care, you'll need to be reasonably tech-savvy to succeed with the Jabra Enhance model, and we've heard reports of long wait times for professional online assistance
  • "Basic" is basic
    If you choose the Basic package, you won't have any telehealth support, your warranty ends after one year, and worse, you may not get the same performance from the fine-tuning that comes with the Premium package
  • Not the latest technology
    Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are highly advanced but may not have all the same cutting-edge technology offered by ReSound

Shopping at JabraEnhance.com

As a customer, you can explore, purchase, and receive hearing care through the JabraEnhance.com website. They offer counseling and care from licensed hearing care professionals, as well as a 100-day risk-free trial, flexible payment options, and a warranty.

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Purchasing hearing aids online can be a viable option if you prefer a more convenient and affordable solution. Jabra Enhance offers quality hearing aids and professional support to help you achieve the best results. However, it is essential to carefully consider your specific hearing needs, the level of customization and support you require, and any potential limitations of online hearing aids before making a decision.

All Jabra Enhance Select models are receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. With RIC hearing aids, the main body of the hearing aid sits behind your ear, and there is a small transparent wire that connects to a speaker (receiver) in your ear.

The hearing aids can be self-fit (Basic package) or programmed with the online assistance of a licensed hearing provider (Premium package). Here's what you get in the two packages:

What's included in the "Basic" package?

If you pay the base price for Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids, you get the following:

  • Quick-start guide and a library of instruction videos for device set-up and management
  • 1-year loss and damage protection and warranty
  • Customer service, technical support, and troubleshooting from Jabra Customer-Support Team 7 days a week
  • Mobile app for hearing aids

What's included in the "Premium" package?

If you pay the additional $200 (we strongly recommend doing this), you get the following:

  • Initial custom hearing aid programming based on your audiogram or hearing test from Jabra Enhance Audiology Team
  • Ongoing adjustments and fine-tuning based on your feedback
  • Reassessment and reprogramming of hearing aids based on your needs
  • Demonstration of how to use and maintain your hearing aids via remote video call
  • Video call you to walk you through setup step-by-step to ensure hearing aid wires and domes fit comfortably
  • Counseling on specific hearing needs and setting realistic expectations
  • Remote customer service, technical support, and troubleshooting from Jabra Enhance Audiology Team 7 days a week
  • 3-year loss and damage protection and warranty
  • Mobile app for hearing aids and remote sessions with Audiology Team
With the Premium package, you get remote care from the Jabra Enhance Select Audiology team for initial hearing aid set-up, orientation to hearing aid use, and 3 years of support and reprogramming adjustments.
With the Premium package, you get remote care from the Jabra Enhance Select Audiology team for initial hearing aid set-up, orientation to hearing aid use, and 3 years of support and reprogramming adjustments.

Cost of Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids sold by JabraEnhance.com

Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids cost between $995-$1,995 per pair, depending on which model you purchase and whether or not you choose to include professional product support and an extended warranty. As with its predecessor Lively, Jabra continues to offer financing options ranging from $33 to $58 per month, again depending on the model purchased. Financing costs will vary “depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term,” according to Jabra's website.

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All Jabra hearing aids come with a 100-day risk-free trial, a minimum 1-year product warranty, a choice of 5 colors, and a free smartphone app for easy adjustments. A premium charging case is also included with Enhance Select 500 and 300 rechargeable models.

In a departure from what Lively offered, Jabra is now allowing consumers to decide for themselves if they prefer/need a higher level of support and longer warranty or if they prefer to have a lower price. For all of the models, the cost difference is $200 between the Basic Package and the Premium Care & Protection Package.

The Basic Package includes a pair of hearing aids that you set up at home and a standard 1-year warranty. Keep in mind that if you choose the Basic Package over the Premium Package, you are mostly on your own to set up and manage the hearing aids; however, you are initially afforded customer service, technical support, and troubleshooting. The company notes that more than 90% of their customers select the Premium Package.

Also, under the Lively branding, you were able to buy a single hearing aid. This was advantageous for those who may have hearing loss only in one ear or who may have an ear that cannot be effectively treated with amplification. However, this is no longer an option as Jabra Enhance products purchased online are now sold only in pairs.

How the online ordering process works for Jabra Enhance Select

Jabra hearing aids are considered OTC hearing aids. For Jabra, this means that the once-required hearing test is now optional. However, if you select the Premium Package, you can decide to take Jabra's online hearing test or upload your own hearing test results which you can get from either a hearing provider or other online hearing tests.

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When taking an online hearing test (Jabra or any other) be sure to utilize quality, good-fitting headphones in a quiet setting. Jabra's test examines four different pitches (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz), and your hearing results are provided to you immediately. If your results indicate you are a candidate for Jabra hearing aids (as shown in the screenshot below), the website guides you to their webpage, which describes the different models available.

Jabra will then use your test results to personalize your hearing aids. Alternatively, Jabra can use a recent hearing test (usually within the last 6 months) to set up your hearing aids.

Again, hearing testing, pre-programming of the hearing aids, and professional support are only provided when the Premium Package is chosen. Therefore, if you prefer the Basic option, be sure to understand your current hearing status and listening needs. Ideally, you would already have a hearing test and audiogram in hand and feel confident that you can set up and manage the hearing aids on your own.

Jabra Enhance displays the results of your online hearing test in this format.
Jabra Enhance displays the results of your online hearing test in this format.

After you place your order, the hearing aids are shipped to your door. With the Premium Package, they will also be pre-programmed. Expect to receive the hearing aids within 2-3 days. Once you receive them, you can either set up the hearing aids yourself with the provided instructions and smart app tutorials (Basic Package) or with help from the Jabra Audiology team (Premium Package).

Professional support can include an online video call where the Jabra team member will review your ear history and hearing goals, and walk you through using your new hearing aids. They will also ensure that your hearing aids are connected to the smartphone app. Once you receive the hearing aids, your 100-day trial period begins. With the Premium Package, follow-up care is provided, as needed, for the 3-year warranty period.

Hearing aid models

Jabra currently offers three different Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) models: Enhance Select 500, Enhance Select 300, and Enhance Select 50R. All models offer an IP68 rating (the highest waterproof/debris ingress rating for hearing aids), up to 4 listening programs, 5 color choices, direct audio streaming for compatible iOS and Android devices, and they can fit hearing losses up to the moderate-severe level.

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However, each model offers a different level of technology, and which one you choose should be based not only on price but also on your lifestyle and listening needs. The product prices listed here reflect the Premium/Basic packages as previously discussed and are subject to change.

Flagship Product: Jabra Enhance Select 500

$1995/$1795 for pair
Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids with charger.
Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids with charger.

Jabra Enhance Select 500 is a rechargeable RIC based on ReSound’s Nexia hearing aid. These devices provide up to 24 hours of use on one charge, and comes with a portable recharger that carries 3 extra charges. The device features exceptional sound quality and processing technology, earning it an “A” SoundGrade while placing it in the top-5% of all hearing products tested by the independent lab HearAdvisor.

Select 500 features the latest Bluetooth LE Audio, streams audio to compatible iOS and Android devices (hands-free for iOS 11 or newer), and can be used with Auracast-enabled systems. Its SoundScape technology prioritizes speech while reducing background noise, delivering a more natural, immersive sound, while enhancing spatial awareness.

Jabra Enhance Select 500
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Jabra Enhance Select 500

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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.

  • Listen to this device

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Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    Yes
  • Rechargeable
    Yes
  • iPhone Streaming
    Yes
  • Android Streaming
    Yes
  • IP Rating
    IP68
Expert Review

Mid-Level: Jabra Enhance Select 300

$1695/$1495 for pair
Enhance Select 300 with charger.
Enhance Select 300 with charger.

Enhance Select 300 is an advanced hearing aid offered by Jabra, a rechargeable RIC based on the ReSound OMNIA, which is 9% smaller than older models. Enhance Select 300 offers a wide range of advanced speech-in-noise and sound quality features, including binaural directionality, an environmental optimizer, and built-in noise-canceling technology. It offers direct audio streaming for both Android and iOS (Apple) devices and hands-free calling for compatible iPhones (iOS 11 or newer).

The Select 300 has 4 programmable settings and can be adjusted via the optional Jabra app or the on-board push-button. With a battery life of up to 30 hours on a 3-hour charge, this model is ideal for those with an active lifestyle, who need good hearing in noise, and who spend a lot of time in challenging listening environments.

Jabra Select 300 Rechargeable
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Jabra Enhance Select 300

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The Jabra Enhance Select 300 is a mid-level, over-the-counter (OTC) receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid introduced in late 2023, designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Priced between $1,495 and $1,695 per pair, it offers features like Bluetooth audio streaming, automatic sound adjustments, and a rechargeable battery with up to 24 hours of use per charge, along with remote telecare support through a modern app.

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Ideal for
  • Value
Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    Yes
  • Rechargeable
    Yes
  • iPhone Streaming
    Yes
  • Android Streaming
    Yes
  • IP Rating
    IP68
Expert Review

Basic level: Jabra Enhance Select 50R

$1195/$995 for pair
Jabra Enhance Select 50R hearing aids with charger.
Jabra Enhance Select 50R hearing aids with charger.

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R is the most basic hearing aid in this product family and is based on the ReSound Key 3 product (the mid-tier Key model). Recently updated in January 2024 to be rechargeable, the Enhance Select 50R is considered an “essential” level of technology but offers quite a few features. While the Enhance Select 50R does have direct Bluetooth streaming capability for phone calls and audio and is compatible with Apple and most Android 9.0 or later devices, there is no hands-free calling. These hearing aids may be ideal for those looking for a value hearing aid or who are less active and aren’t often in challenging or varied listening environments.

If you're curious about how the Select 50R sounds, you can put on a pair of high-quality headphones and listen to the sound sample below.

Jabra Enhance Select 50R
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Jabra Enhance Select 50R

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The Jabra Enhance Select 50R is a rechargeable, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, offering features such as iPhone and Android streaming, automatic sound adjustments, and wireless app control. Priced at $995 or $1195 depending on the service package, it includes options for remote telecare and customization through the Jabra Enhance app, though it lacks hands-free calling and advanced streaming capabilities.

  • Listen to this device

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Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    No
  • Rechargeable
    Yes
  • iPhone Streaming
    Yes
  • Android Streaming
    Yes
  • IP Rating
    IP68
Expert Review

A deeper dive into Jabra Enhance Select hearing aid features

Here's a quick comparison chart of the three Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids, followed by more in-depth details about the features:

FeatureEnhance Select 500Enhance Select 300Enhance Select 50R
Price**$1,795/$1,995$1,495/$1,695$995/$1,195
Rechargeable
Frequency rangeUp to 9.5 kHzUp to 9.5 kHzUp to 8.5 kHz
Hands-free calling✓*✓*
Direct audio streaming
Adaptive directionality
Noise reduction
Wind noise
Impact noise
Music mode
SoundScape™
Synchronized controls
Color options555
Smartphone app
Accessories available
LE Audio w/Auracast
Portable charger/extra charges

Features of Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids (please use grey scroll bar to see entire chart). *iPhone 11 or newer and some iPads; check jabraenhance.com for complete list of compatible products. **Price per pair; add $200 for Premium package.

What do the features do?

The above features are not the company’s marketing names but rather basic descriptors of the functionality of the feature. This also is not an exhaustive list of all the product capabilities but, rather, a selection of ones that may be the most relevant to many wearers.

Let’s dive a little deeper into each of them to understand what they mean.

Power supply

With the recent update of the Enhance Select 50R, all Jabra Enhance Select models are powered by rechargeable batteries. Jabra's lithium-ion rechargeable batteries provide up to 24 and 30 hours of use on a single charge for these aids, respectively, and are likely the best choice for those with visual acuity or manual dexterity issues.

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 and 300 rechargeable hearing aids come with a portable charger which, according to the company, will provide a full charge in just 3 hours. The Enhance Select 50R comes with a desktop charger with the same usage time. Keep in mind that if you stream audio (phone calls, music, etc.), the number of useable hours is reduced.

Frequency range

This data simply tells you which frequencies (pitches) the hearing aid is capable of amplifying. Generally speaking, a wider frequency response provides a more natural, fuller sound. It also provides more redundancy in the signal, which may even help improve speech understanding, especially in noisy environments.

However, depending on the fit, your residual (remaining) hearing, and whether or not feedback (whistling) is limiting amplification, you may not experience the full potential of a wide frequency response. Many will be limited to a range of approximately 400 Hz to 6000 Hz. Even 6000 Hz is generous, as the response of many RIC hearing aids typically diminishes (“rolls off”) considerably beyond the 3000-4000 Hz range.

So, while an extended frequency range beyond 6000 Hz is possible in a test box, it often isn’t on a real ear. This is especially true when the hearing aid fit is achieved with off-the-shelf ear tips, as is the case with the online hearing aid delivery model, and not custom earmolds.

Wireless connectivity and hands-free calling

Hands-free calling means just that: you can both hear the caller and speak to the caller all through your hearing aids as they essentially function as wireless earbuds.

Hands-free calling is a feature of the Jabra Select 200.
Hands-free calling is a feature of the Jabra Select 200.

This is becoming more commonplace in the hearing aid industry but it’s taking time to implement (streaming protocols are relatively new and vary across smartphone platforms). As such, you usually only see this feature in the newest and highest-end products, as is the case with the Jabra Enhance Select 500 and 300 which offer wireless app control and audio streaming for most iOS and compatible Android devices, as well as hands-free calling with the iPhone 11 and newer.

For a full list of compatible phones/tablets with Jabra hearing aids, please visit the company's compatibility page. If you don’t see your device, keep in mind that you can use an accessory (Phone Clip+) to allow for streaming to your hearing aids; however, there is an additional cost for the accessory ($199 at this writing).

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R does offer direct audio streaming from both iOS (Apple) and most Android devices, and you’ll hear the caller in your hearing aids, but you’ll need to speak into your phone in order for them to hear you. You can also stream music/audio from your compatible phone or tablet.

It should be noted that Jabra admits a compatibility problem with Android OS version 12, and their website provides troubleshooting tips if you are using that version. Essentially, with Android OS v12 the app and the hearing aids experience difficulty maintaining a connection to the devices. Please check the Jabra website for updates.

Adaptive directionality

In modern hearing aids, directionality is achieved when two or more microphones work together to cancel out sound from a particular direction. The typical use is that the hearing aids, when in directional mode, will allow for sound to be picked up from in front of you but will suppress sound coming from behind or to the side of you.

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This is particularly helpful when you are trying to hear someone in a noisy situation, like a restaurant, and directional microphones are one of the best ways to improve speech understanding in noise. How the directionality works—for example, if the directional pattern is fixed or changing, if it changes on its own or you have to choose, etc.—will vary by product.

Adaptive directionality means that the hearing aids can automatically change the directional pattern, meaning they allow for sound to be picked up in a more narrow or broad area depending on the listening environment and the direction of speech.

All of the Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids offer adaptive directionality, but the sophistication of the algorithm increases with the level of technology. For example, in the highest-end models, Jabra Enhance Select 500 and 300, the directional pattern will adjust depending on the source of the noise and use both hearing aids (i.e., 4 microphones) to precisely tune the microphone response across a higher number of frequency channels (compared to lower tier products).

Noise reduction

Noise reduction means that the hearing aids can recognize steady-state noise signals (e.g., a fan or car engine noise) and minimize them without significantly affecting the sounds you want to hear such as speech. For example, let’s say you’re having a conversation at a coffee shop with a friend and the air conditioning vent is just above you and the baristas behind the counter are making a lot of noise. Noise reduction works to minimize these sounds while still allowing for the speech sounds to be amplified. How sophisticated this process is, how much of a reduction the algorithm makes, and how precisely it does it, will vary by level of product and by manufacturer.

The Jabra Enhance Select 200 is designed to prioritize speech and reduce background noise in complex listening situations like a bar, restaurant, or noisy workplace.
The Jabra Enhance Select 200 is designed to prioritize speech and reduce background noise in complex listening situations like a bar, restaurant, or noisy workplace.

With these Jabra products, the highest-end hearing aids (Enhance Select 500/300) use spectral subtraction technology across multiple bands to precisely minimize the noise. The other products use the same technology, but it is not applied precisely across the frequency response. This is due, at least in part, to the number of frequency channels available in the different technology tiers.

Simply put, the more channels, the more control over the response of the hearing aid. Think of it as using a wide brush to paint the background of a painting or using a very fine brush to paint eyelashes on a person in the painting. The intent of these noise reduction algorithms is to improve overall listening comfort in noisy environments.

Wind noise reduction

Just as the name implies, Jabra hearing aids will diminish wind noise when detected. As wind noise is predominantly low frequency in nature, most hearing aids will typically make a low-frequency gain (volume) reduction and may make other programming adjustments as well. Of course, this doesn’t mean you don’t still hear the wind, but it may make the wind noise less annoying. Again, this is a listening comfort feature.

Impact noise reduction

This type of noise reduction is used to minimize sudden sounds. For example, the sound of silverware on a plate or a door slamming can be quite annoying to hearing aid wearers. This algorithm will try to make your listening experience more comfortable.

Music mode

This feature helps the hearing aids distinguish music from feedback as both sounds are tonal in nature. Some musical tones can mimic feedback (at least to the hearing aid’s brain), so this feature helps to ensure that sound reduction is not applied to music (i.e., applied only for feedback). For those who enjoy routinely listening to music this may be a useful feature.

Synchronized controls

This pragmatic feature allows for the control of both hearing aids with the change of just one. For example, if you want to turn up the volume, you can do so on one hearing aid and it will change in both, maintaining a balanced sound. This also applies to program changes and, for more sophisticated products, may also apply to directionality, noise reduction, and other features.

Color options

All of the Jabra products offer 5 color options that can be chosen to match skin/hair tone (gray, beige, medium blonde, dark brown, and black). Previously, the top-tier Lively hearing aid offered 8 color options, but this is no longer the case.

The five Jabra Enhance hearing aid color options.
The five Jabra Enhance hearing aid color options.

The Jabra Enhance Select app

The Jabra Enhance Select app is available at no charge for all 3 levels of technology but the control and features will vary by product level. All of the products also have access to 4 pre-programmed listening environments which are accessible via the push button on the hearing aids or via the app. These programs include “All around,” “Restaurant,” “Outdoors,” and “Music.” You can also check the battery status, change volume, and (depending on the model) make temporary program changes such as increasing the noise filter or boosting clarity.

Importantly, the app is also where the virtual care takes place (Premium Package). While the hearing aids will arrive pre-programmed to your door, adjustments can also be sent to the app and uploaded to your hearing aids. All customers can request professional assistance and view tips and tutorials from within the app. For those familiar with the previous Lively product, unfortunately, the new Jabra Select products no longer support the “find my hearing aid” locator.

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For both Apple and Android devices, the app is rated quite well by users. It has an average rating of 4.5-star rating for Android and 4.1 rating for Apple iOS which is higher than most hearing aid apps currently on the market.

The Jabra Enhance Select app allows you to customize hearing aid settings, adjust for noisy environments, video chat with a professional, get expert fine-tuning adjustments, book video appointments, and it also provides tips, tutorials, and dedicated customer support.
The Jabra Enhance Select app allows you to customize hearing aid settings, adjust for noisy environments, video chat with a professional, get expert fine-tuning adjustments, book video appointments, and it also provides tips, tutorials, and dedicated customer support.

Accessories

All of Jabra's products are compatible with the available accessories which include the TV Streamer, the MultiMic, and the Phone Clip+. Keep in mind these accessories are only available at an additional cost. For example, the TV Streamer, which allows for the TV sound to be streamed directly to your hearing aids, will cost you an additional $299. However, many hearing aid wearers find the TV streamers to be very helpful as they allow you to watch the TV at your preferred loudness while others in the room can do the same. It also allows for a cleaner, better sound than just listening to the TV through your hearing aids alone.

Accessories for Jabra Enhance include (l to r) the Phone Clip+ ($199) which streams calls and music to your hearing aids from older Android and Bluetooth devices plus doubles as a remote control; MultiMic ($275) portable microphone that streams speech and other sounds right to your ears; and TV Streamer ($299) that streams television and other audio, essentially turning your hearing aids into wireless headphones for clearer sound, up to 22 feet away.
Accessories for Jabra Enhance include (l to r) the Phone Clip+ ($199) which streams calls and music to your hearing aids from older Android and Bluetooth devices plus doubles as a remote control; MultiMic ($275) portable microphone that streams speech and other sounds right to your ears; and TV Streamer ($299) that streams television and other audio, essentially turning your hearing aids into wireless headphones for clearer sound, up to 22 feet away.

The MultiMic ($275) may be recommended to you if you have significant trouble following conversations in noisy environments. The MulitMic works by picking up a person’s voice and transmitting it directly to your hearing aids increasing the signal level (speech) relative to the environmental noise. The MultiMic can be clipped to a lapel or placed on a table as needed. It also has an audio jack that can be used with laptops or other devices to allow for streaming to your hearing aids—this is helpful when you have non-Bluetooth devices that can't stream directly.

The MultiMic also includes a telephone coil or t-coil which can be used in settings that are looped. It should be noted that none of the current Jabra hearing aids offer a t-coil in the hearing aid. Some buildings, such as houses of worship and movie theatres, are looped so that sound can be picked up by the telephone coil (in the MultiMic) and then sent directly to your hearing aids. Again, this helps to improve the clarity of the sound and improve overall listening. It should be noted that with a remote delivery care model, it is not possible to test your ability to hear in noise, which can help a hearing provider decide whether or not to recommend accessories such as the MultiMic.

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The Phone Clip+ is needed for older, non-compatible Android phones (or other Bluetooth audio accessories) if you would like to stream phone calls, music, etc. to your hearing aids. The older phones simply need to be Bluetooth compatible. You can also use the Phone Clip+ to accept phone calls, change the volume or program on your hearing aids, and mute the devices. The Phone Clip+ also enables hands-free calling.

Making the case for Jabra Select's delivery model

As our Jabra Enhance webpage describes, Jabra has a business model designed to appeal to anyone interested in hearing help. Besides the OTC-professional telecare (Premium Package) and go-it-alone (Basic) model offered by Enhance Select, they also provide in-person professionally dispensed Jabra Enhance Pro hearing aids at Costco.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these delivery care models. One may be more attractive, depending on your preferences, level of comfort with technology, and hearing healthcare needs. Keep in mind that the primary benefits of any online delivery model are greater convenience and lower prices.

Jabra Select isn’t arguing that its service model is the gold standard of audiological care—and it isn’t. But, in a world where the gold standard is seldom practiced in the clinic, one can make a good case for a well-managed online delivery model like Jabra's that increases accessibility, lowers cost, and puts better hearing into the ears of the masses.

Limitations of online delivery

If you are utilizing Jabra's online hearing test, the programming is based on a limited data set. Not only does it use a limited number of frequencies, but it also doesn't measure important things like Uncomfortable Loudness Levels, which are used to set the output limits of the hearing aids. The online test also doesn't test your ability to understand speech in noise or allow for verification of the fit via real-ear probe microphone measures, which help to ensure the programming is appropriate for your hearing loss. These things are part of recommended best practices from associations like the American Academy of Audiology. It also means that the hearing aids you receive will likely be programmed conservatively and may not provide you with the best audibility overall.

The Jabra Enhance hearing test is fast and convenient, but the information gathered is fairly limited when compared to a traditional hearing exam.
The Jabra Enhance hearing test is fast and convenient, but the information gathered is fairly limited when compared to a traditional hearing exam.

On the flip side, the Jabra Select remote care model does allow for convenient care, and the company even provides service 7 days a week. You can order hearing aids and receive service without ever having to leave your home. For those who have difficulty getting to appointments because of distance or transportation issues, or who have busy work lives, this can be ideal. The model was also instrumental during the pandemic when it simply wasn’t possible to visit a clinic.

To their credit, Jabra doesn’t “lock” their hearing aids. What this means is that if you wanted (or needed to) to be seen by a local hearing provider, they could use appropriate programming software to make changes to the hearing aids. Keep in mind that some hearing providers may not be willing to do this if you didn’t buy the hearing aids from them. If they do agree to provide care, you should expect to pay for their time and expertise.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that in order to properly utilize the Jabra hearing aids, you will need to own a smartphone or a tablet and have at least a minimal level of comfort with technology. If you’re comfortable using these devices, then the entire process should be simple enough. However, if you struggle with technology, buying hearing aids online likely isn’t for you.

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Finally, if your hearing loss is more severe or complex, then the virtual-only model isn’t recommended, as you should be assisted by a professional who can properly manage your condition. For example, if you experience tinnitus that interferes with your daily life, your condition is best suited for in-person care. In general, people with higher levels of hearing loss will have greater complexity relative to a hearing aid fitting. Also, if you have had previous ear surgeries, experience dizziness, or have other significant health conditions such as diabetes, you shouldn't go the DIY route but instead should see a qualified professional.

To be fair, it is likely that Jabra would also recommend this once they are aware of your medical history. At HearingTracker, we always recommend starting with an audiologist and a comprehensive audiological exam to rule out things as simple as earwax obstructing your hearing to identifying medical pathologies. At the very least, we recommend you take the  Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment online screener offered by Mayo Clinic and Northwestern University.

Alternatives to Jabra Enhance Select

Jabra Enhance Select provides you with good online options for addressing your hearing loss, but there are other alternatives.

One obvious one is the Jabra Enhance Pro. You can get Jabra Enhance Pro hearing aids, which come in a variety of styles, at Costco hearing aid centers starting at $1,600 per pair.

Jabra Enhance Pro 20 MicroRIE 60S

Jabra Enhance Pro 20

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The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 Hearing Aids, available at Costco starting at $1,599.99 per pair, feature advanced ReSound technology, Bluetooth streaming for iOS and Android, and Auracast broadcast capabilities. These receiver-in-ear devices are offered in both rechargeable and disposable battery models, with the micro RIE 60S being the smallest rechargeable RIC available at Costco, and are designed for mild-to-profound hearing loss.

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Ideal for
  • Value
Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    Yes
  • Rechargeable
    Yes
  • iPhone Streaming
    Yes
  • Android Streaming
    Yes
  • IP Rating
    IP68

Here are some other alternatives you may wish to consider:

  1. Yes Hearing is “America’s concierge hearing care solution,” connecting its customers with over 400 licensed hearing specialists nationwide. Yes Hearing carries all the leading hearing aid brands and offers them at significant unit price discounts compared to local hearing care providers. Most importantly, a Yes Hearing provider will come to your house to deliver and fit your hearing aids. Prices typically range from $1,395 to $3,995 per pair, including service.
  2. Hear.com, like Yes Hearing, chaperones your hearing care journey and partners you with a local care provider for services like hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up care. Per default, the initial steps are in-person, but you can opt for the tele-audiology journey if you prefer remote services. Through the Hear.com app, you can manage your hearing aid, schedule appointments, and keep in touch with your consultant for continued support.
  3. Audicus offers several lines of quality hearing aids with professionally administered remote fittings and assistance for prices ranging from $699 to $1699 per ear. The company also uses a subscription hearing aid payment plan that can help alleviate the sting of one large payment.
  4. Local Hearing Aid Discounts are offered on a platform hosted by HearingTracker. This is a great place to start if you’re trying to get your bearings. You’ll see a selection of discounted hearing aids available in your area, how much they cost, and what’s included. ZipHearing also offers reduced prices on professionally-fitted hearing aids.
  5. Other OTC Hearing Aids. If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, are tech-savvy, and don’t require extended services, OTC hearing aids are a great budget option. The downside is that you’ll need to customize or fit them yourself.

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Before you commit to any of the options above, check your insurance’s hearing loss coverage and whether it includes out-of-network providers. Also, there are many financing options available for hearing aids.

Bottom Line

As noted above, there are Pros and Cons to Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids and the online delivery model. Take into consideration your the complexity and severity of your hearing loss, your hearing needs and preferences, and how you would like your care delivered.

If you are comfortable with remote care and online technology and are a candidate for their hearing aids, Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids may be a great choice for you. These devices are of excellent quality and are built by a well-known global hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Enhance Select is also about half the price of similar professionally dispensed hearing aids from a clinic, and the company has a good track record. However, be sure to look beyond price and ensure that both the hearing aids and the level of care are adequate for your needs.