Audien Hearing Atom vs Jabra Enhance Select 300

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 300 is a premium OTC hearing aid priced at $1,695 that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.1/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #17 out of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 25% of its category. In our standardized testing, speech clarity in quiet environments stands out as a notable strength, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 0.85 points above the category average. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users should experience stable performance without whistling during typical wear. Own-voice comfort also performs well at 3.5/5, nearly a full point above average, which can contribute to a more natural listening experience. Speech understanding in noisy environments presents a limitation, scoring 1.5/5—essentially at the category average but low in absolute terms. This is a common challenge across OTC devices, though users seeking strong noise performance may want to compare alternatives. Music streaming scores 2.6/5, which is above the category average by 0.68 points but mixed in absolute quality. The Enhance Select 300 offers rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices, along with hands-free functionality. It has earned Expert's Choice Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Shoppers in this price range should note that alternatives like the Lucid Tala and Audicus Omni 2 score higher overall, while options like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco offer similar sound quality at a lower price point. This device is best suited for those prioritizing speech clarity in quieter settings and stable, feedback-free performance.