If you’ve ever spent time researching hearing aid brands, you have probably come across the brand Jabra Enhance, previously called Lively. Their bluetooth hearing aids have many helpful features, and we have put together a review on their newest hearing aids.
The Fitting Process
To purchase Jabra hearing aids, you can either take an online hearing test or submit an audiogram (hearing test) to Jabra, and then they’ll send you their hearing aids programmed to your specific results. One of our audiologists recently ordered hearing aids from Jabra to get a feel for their process, and an audiology assistant from Jabra checked in via phone call and scheduled a fitting consultation with one of their audiologists.
It’s useful to note that the hearing aids use the same technology as the ReSound LiNX Quattro 5, and that they’re essentially a white-labeled/rebranded version of this model of ReSound hearing aids. As a result, the settings for these hearing aids are not locked, and any audiologist with ReSound software can adjust them.
When we ordered the Jabra hearing aids, they arrived set to the manufacturer’s first fit based on the audiogram we submitted. After testing them, we discovered that they were set to an appropriate level of gain. The independent real-ear measures test confirmed that the audio settings were set appropriately.
The Smartphone App
The Jabra Enhance Select mobile app is very easy to use. You can control the bass, mids, and treble, change between programs, and change volume. These are quick adjustments that can be made based on the patient’s current environment. The app also lets you submit remote requests for assistance from a licensed hearing specialist. Overall, it’s similar to the GN ReSound Smart 3D app.
Jabra offers a hearing health questionnaire that helps to optimize hearing aid output based on different situations that a patient may have trouble hearing in (e.g. restaurants, watching TV, background noise, etc.). After tailoring your hearing aids to perform in these situations, their audiologists continue to follow up over time in order to ensure that the hearing aids are performing properly.
Telehealth
We were very impressed with the telehealth session we had with Brittany, one of Jabra’s licensed audiologists. We connected via Zoom and phone so that hearing aid output could be adjusted in real time. For example, Brittany was able to make a live adjustment to the high and mid pitches in order to increase speech clarity. Specialists are able to make real-time adjustments.
Overall, the workflow of the telehealth session was smooth and seamless, despite the fact that telehealth is still a fairly new medium. Brittany also assured us that the average patient doesn’t require follow-up sessions, as many of the hearing aid adjustments can be made through the Jabra app. Nonetheless, these hearing aids come with a warranty period of three years, which includes as many follow-up telehealth sessions with Jabra audiologists as needed. You can easily connect with a hearing specialist through the app or by scheduling an appointment with one.
Pricing
There are three models- the Enhance Select 200, 100, and 50. They are relatively affordable hearing aids, especially for all the features they have. All of them come with a 100 day trial period, a 3-year warranty, and the ability to meet virtually with licensed hearing specialists.
- Enhance Select 200 — $1,995 per pair
- Rechargeable
- Bluetooth
- Hands Free calling
- Advanced speech and noise processing
- Binaural directionality
- Automatic volume control
- Music mode
- Enhance Select 100 — $1,595 per pair
- Rechargeable
- Bluetooth
- Good speech and noise processing
- Music mode
- Enhance Select 50 — $1,195 per pair
- 1 year supply of batteries
- Bluetooth
- Basic speech and noise processing
Looks And Uses
Each receiver-in-canal (over-the-ear) hearing aid comes equipped with one push button, which can be configured with your audiologist to control volume, programs, muting, etc. They also include a receiver wire, which Jabra will replace with a different length wire if needed. Each receiver wire is intended to fit into the ear, and can be easily adjusted by watching the company’s YouTube tutorials. You can also order the hearing aid in different colors in order to better match your hair or skin color.
The hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate levels of hearing loss. These hearing aids are not good for those with severe hearing loss, as the receiver wires are not designed to handle the necessary output and the hearing aids do not come with ear molds necessary to ensure good sound quality. The hearing aids instead come with domes, which are the plastic tips that fit at the end of each hearing aid. Jabra provides a large amount of these rubber tips in multiple sizes.
They are manufactured by the reliable hearing aid brand GN Resound. The hearing aids offer great streaming quality and Bluetooth compatibility. They can also be programmed with white noise settings, tinnitus masking, and sound therapy. The rechargeable battery is also very strong, lasting up to 30 hours on a single charge. That said, streaming via Bluetooth can drain the battery rather quickly, but you nonetheless should be able to wear these hearing aids all day with no problems. The portable charger case also holds three full charges, which helps in situations where you might not have access to power.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of The Jabra Hearing Aids
Benefit #1: Telehealth support.
Jabra offers some of the best telehealth support for hearing aids, making it easy to properly set up their hearing aids at home with the assistance (if needed) of one of their audiologists.
Benefit #2: Good, reputable sound quality.
The Jabra hearing aids offer good sound quality, using reputable technology.
Benefit #3: More affordable than in-person options.
These hearing aids are sold at a desirable price point, especially considering all the telehealth services that come bundled.
Benefit #4: Rechargeability and Bluetooth compatibility.
The Jabra hearing aids offer top-of-the-line battery life and Bluetooth compatibility.
Drawback #1: More expensive than direct-to-consumer hearing aids.
Since the Jabra hearing aids come bundled with telehealth services, they are more expensive than other direct-to-consumer hearing aids.
Drawback #2: Risk of under-fitting.
The Jabra hearing aids are more likely to not adequately match your specific hearing requirements since they aren’t fit in-person by an audiologist. As a result, they might fall 10-20% short of properly matching your ideal hearing curve. That said, you can address this by visiting an in-person audiologist and paying them for a hearing test and hearing aid adjustment.
Comparable Products To Consider
A comparable product to the Jabra hearing aids is the ReSound Linx Quattro. The Jabra hearing aids are much cheaper than the ReSound hearing aids, which can only be purchased via an in-person audiology clinic. Style-wise, both hearing aids are very similar. However, the ReSound hearing aids have a new type of receiver wire that could potentially offer more natural sound quality and a better listening experience.
What To Do Next For Hearing Loss
Finding the right hearing aids can be a process, and we’re here to help. At the tap of a finger, you can schedule a free Hear From Home™ telehealth consultation today! You’ll be connected with a real audiologist, not a salesperson, and there is no obligation or commitment.
