Choice
Jabra Enhance Select 500 Expert Review
Our lab tested the Jabra Enhance Select 500 using standardized acoustic measurements and real-ear simulation to evaluate how this premium behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid performs across speech clarity, noise handling, and streaming quality.
Dr. Steve Taddei, Au.D. — Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram Bailey, Au.D. — Fact Checker / Editor
Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.
Lab Assessment
Where the Jabra Enhance Select 500 Stands in Independent Testing
The verdict card below presents our overall evaluation of the Enhance Select 500 based on measured acoustic performance. You will find the final grade, composite SoundScore, and how this device ranks among the OTC hearing aids in our database.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 delivers strong speech clarity in quiet settings, best suited for listeners prioritizing conversation at home.
- Excellent feedback handling4.6/5
- Strong speech in quiet4.3/5
- Music streaming above category average+0.98 vs OTC
- Own voice quality below category average2.2/5
- Speech in noise limited in absolute terms1.8/5
- Premium price at $1,995
Fit Conditions
Initial and Tuned Performance for the Enhance Select 500
Our lab evaluated the Jabra Enhance Select 500 in both its Initial factory configuration and after Tuned adjustments. The summaries below describe measured amplification behavior under each condition.
In its out-of-box configuration with open domes and medium-power receivers, the Enhance Select 500 achieves a normalized Initial Score of 4.1/5. Speech-in-quiet performance starts solid at 3.6/5, while speech-in-noise measures 1.5/5. The open fitting provides comfortable own-voice perception at 4.3/5 and good feedback handling at 4.3/5. Music streaming measures 1.9/5 in this initial setup. This configuration offers a comfortable starting point with minimal occlusion effects.
What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?
The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.
Measured Metrics
Five Performance Dimensions for the Enhance Select 500
The score breakdown below reports lab measurements across speech in quiet, speech in noise, feedback control, own-voice comfort, and music streaming. Each bar reflects the Enhance Select 500's tested result on our standardized 0-to-5 scale.
Choice
Amplification Data
Insertion Gain and Target Matching for the Enhance Select 500
The graph below plots the measured insertion gain of the Jabra Enhance Select 500 against prescriptive fitting targets. This visualization shows how closely the device's amplification aligns with research-based gain recommendations across frequencies.
Audio Samples
Manikin Recordings of the Jabra Enhance Select 500
The audio samples below were captured through our acoustic test manikin while the Enhance Select 500 processed standardized speech signals. A reference recording without amplification is included for direct comparison.
Test Configuration
Lab Documentation for the Enhance Select 500 Evaluation
The notes below detail the specific settings, firmware version, and test conditions used during our evaluation of the Jabra Enhance Select 500. This documentation supports transparency and reproducibility of our measurements.
Initial Fitting | Tuned Fitting | |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Coupling | Open Dome | Tulip Dome |
| Receiver | Medium-power | Medium-power |
| Fitting Formula | Proprietary manufacturer default | Proprietary manufacturer default |
| Listening Program | All-Around (Automatic) | All-Around (Automatic) |
| Volume Setting | 50% (Default Half volume) | 80% (4/5 volume) |
| Software Version | Unknown | Unknown |
| Tuning Adjustments | Programmed to N3 audiogram, Other settings at manufacturer defaults | Programmed to N3 audiogram, 3-Band equalizer adjusted, Other settings at manufacturer defaults |
| Notes | Jabra audiology team perform initial programming. | — |
