HearingAssist Control vs Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco

The HearingAssist Control is a behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid priced at $549, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the lower portion of the OTC category, ranking #51 of 65 devices tested. In our testing, the Control demonstrates notable strengths in speech performance. Speech in quiet scores 0.59 points above the category average at 3.4/5, representing solid absolute performance. Speech in noise comes in at 2.0/5—above the category average by 0.56 points, though only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning the device remained stable without audible squealing during our standardized challenge tests. The device shows significant weaknesses in other areas. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, which is 1.92 points below the category average and indicates this device does not support or perform well with phone audio streaming. Own-voice comfort is also below average at 2.1/5 (0.41 points below category average), which may be noticeable during extended conversations. The HearingAssist Control may suit users who prioritize speech clarity over streaming functionality and who don't require premium sound quality across all use cases. However, buyers in this price range should note that several competitors—including the Yeasound RIC800 and Sony CRE-E10—deliver substantially higher overall scores. Those seeking similar speech performance at a lower cost may also consider the iHear MatriX.

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco is a prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid available for $1,600, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 61% of the 36 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated. In our testing, this device shows a mixed performance profile. Own-voice comfort is a clear strength, scoring 3.5/5—0.75 points above the category average—making it a solid choice for users who prioritize natural sound quality when speaking. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.8/5, slightly above the category average, indicating stable performance during typical daily activities. However, speech-in-noise performance is notably limited, scoring just 1.1/5—0.82 points below the category average of 1.96. This is a meaningful weakness for users who frequently encounter noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Speech in quiet is solid at 3.2/5, though slightly below the category average. Music streaming scores 2.8/5, above average but only mixed in absolute terms. At this price point, buyers should consider alternatives. The Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco scores 4.58/5 in the same price range, while lower-priced options like the Lexie B3 (4.76/5) offer stronger overall performance. The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 may suit users who prioritize own-voice comfort and feedback stability over challenging listening environments, but those needing robust noise handling should explore other options.