Jabra Enhance Select 500 Hero
Expert
Choice

Jabra Enhance Select 500 Expert Review

Premium OTC
Released 
2024

Summary

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade in HearAdvisor lab testing, ranking in the top 14% of the OTC category. At $1,995, it sits at the higher end of the OTC market and competes directly with prescription-level pricing.

In our testing, the Enhance Select 500 delivered standout speech performance, scoring 1.38 points above the category average for speech in quiet—one of the strongest results we've measured in the OTC segment. Speech in noise performance was also above average, making this a solid choice for users who prioritize conversational clarity across listening environments.

However, the device showed some weaknesses. Music streaming quality measured 0.54 points below the category average, which may disappoint users who frequently stream audio content. Own-voice comfort also came in slightly below average, though this varied between fit conditions.

The Enhance Select 500 is a two-time Expert's Choice Award winner (2023, 2024) and offers modern features including rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free functionality. Shoppers should note that similarly strong sound performance is available at lower price points—the Lexie B2 Plus ($999) and Lucid Engage ($549) both scored comparably or higher in our testing. The Enhance Select 500 is best suited for users who value the Jabra ecosystem and prioritize speech clarity over streaming audio quality.

With an open dome coupling, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 delivered strong initial fit performance. Speech in quiet scored 4.0/5, well above average, while own-voice comfort was excellent at 4.3/5—benefiting from the vented, open fit that minimizes occlusion. Speech in noise was above average at 1.6/5, though music streaming lagged at 1.9/5. This configuration prioritizes natural sound and comfort over maximum audibility, making it suitable for users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who want a comfortable first-fit experience with minimal adjustments.

The tuned fit used a tulip dome for slightly more occlusion, which improved feedback handling to 4.6/5 and boosted music streaming to 2.9/5. However, own-voice comfort dropped significantly to 2.2/5 as the more occluding coupling increased the perception of one's own voice. Speech in noise improved marginally to 1.8/5. The overall fit score decreased slightly (-0.12 points), reflecting the trade-off between improved audibility and reduced comfort. Users sensitive to occlusion may prefer the initial open dome configuration.

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Lab Review Scores

A
SoundGrade
Initial Score
4.3
Tuned Score
4.2
Expert
Choice
Speech in quiet
best
4.0
5.0
Own voice
best
4.3
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.6
5.0
Feedback handling
best
4.3
5.0
Music streaming
best
1.9
5.0

State-of-the-art Acoustic Laboratory

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Lab recordings

Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Jabra Enhance Select 700 Lab

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Open Dome
Tuned Fitting
Tulip Dome
Receiver
Initial Fitting
Medium-power
Tuned Fitting
Medium-power
Fitting Formula
Initial Fitting
Proprietary manufacturer default
Tuned Fitting
Proprietary manufacturer default
Listening Program
Initial Fitting
All-Around (Automatic)
Tuned Fitting
All-Around (Automatic)
Volume Setting
Initial Fitting
50% (Default Half volume)
Tuned Fitting
80% (4/5 volume)
Software Version
Initial Fitting
Unknown
Tuned Fitting
Unknown
Tuning Adjustments
Initial Fitting
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Tuned Fitting
Programmed to N3 audiogram, 3-Band equalizer adjusted, Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Notes
Initial Fitting
Jabra audiology team perform initial programming.
Tuned Fitting

Specs

Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free