Audien Hearing Atom vs Jabra Enhance Select 200

The Audien Hearing Atom is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. At $89, it's positioned as an entry-level option in the visible-in-ear category, ranking #52 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested. In our testing, the Atom demonstrates mixed results across key performance areas. Its standout strength is excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—0.46 points above the category average. This means users can expect stable performance without whistling or squealing during typical wear. However, speech clarity metrics fall below category averages: speech in quiet scores 2.6/5 (0.15 points below average) and speech in noise scores a low 1.0/5 (0.48 points below average), which may limit effectiveness in challenging listening environments. The Atom does not support music streaming, scoring 0.0/5 in this category—1.92 points below the OTC average. Own-voice comfort is mixed at 2.1/5, sitting 0.41 points below the category average. These limitations are notable when compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the Elehear Beyond (4.36/5) or Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.06/5), which offer substantially stronger overall performance. This device may suit budget-conscious consumers who prioritize basic amplification and feedback-free wear over speech clarity in noise or streaming capabilities. Those seeking stronger speech performance or music features should consider higher-scoring alternatives in this price range.

The Jabra Enhance Select 200 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5 in our lab testing, ranking in the top 35% of OTC devices. At $1,695, it sits at the higher end of the OTC market and has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. This behind-the-ear device delivers its strongest performance in speech clarity during quiet environments, scoring 3.5/5—a solid result that sits 0.67 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort is another highlight at 3.4/5, which is 0.89 points above average, meaning wearers are less likely to experience the bothersome "talking in a barrel" sensation. Music streaming scores 2.6/5, which is 0.68 points above the category average, though still mixed in absolute terms. The device shows some limitations in challenging listening situations. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.4/5, sitting slightly below the category average. Feedback handling scores a strong 4.0/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 0.54 points below the OTC average of 4.54/5. The Enhance Select 200 includes modern conveniences like rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices, plus hands-free calling capability. However, budget-conscious shoppers should note that several devices in this price range—including the Lucid Tala and Audicus Omni 2—achieve higher scores, and alternatives like the Lucid Engage offer similar sound quality at lower prices. This device is best suited for listeners who prioritize clear speech in quieter settings and natural own-voice quality over performance in noisy environments.