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Jabra Enhance Select 50R Expert Review

Premium OTCReleased 2023

Our lab tested the Jabra Enhance Select 50R using standardized acoustic measurements on a head-and-torso simulator. This independent review presents objective performance data across speech clarity, noise handling, feedback control, and other metrics.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D.Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D.Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid at $1,195, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #29 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 43% of its category.

In our testing, the Enhance Select 50R shows clear strengths in speech clarity for quieter environments, scoring 3.5/5—a solid result that's 0.75 points above the OTC category average. Music streaming is another highlight at 2.8/5, which is 0.88 points above average for the category, though still only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users shouldn't experience whistling issues during normal use.

The device's main limitation is speech understanding in noisy environments, where it scores 1.0/5—a low result that falls 0.48 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort lands at a mixed 2.5/5, essentially matching the category average. These results suggest the Enhance Select 50R performs best in quieter listening situations rather than challenging acoustic environments.

At this price point, buyers should note that several competitors offer stronger overall performance. The Lucid Tala and Audicus Omni 2 both score above 4.5/5 in the same price range, while Jabra's own Enhance Select 500 scores 4.18/5. Budget-conscious shoppers seeking similar sound quality might also consider lower-priced alternatives like the Sony CRE-C20. The Enhance Select 50R is best suited for those who prioritize quiet conversation clarity and music streaming over performance in noisy settings.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Lab Assessment

Where the Enhance Select 50R Performs and Where It Falls Short

Our verdict synthesizes measurements across five acoustic dimensions to give you a clear picture of this behind-the-ear device. Below you will find the overall grade, category ranking, and key performance highlights from our testing.

HearAdvisor Verdict
BTop 86% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R delivers excellent feedback control and solid speech clarity in quiet settings, best for listeners prioritizing comfort over noisy environments.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Above-average speech in quiet+0.75 vs category
  • Streams to both iPhone and Android
Drawbacks
  • Low speech-in-noise performance1.0/5
  • Premium price for mid-tier sound scores

Fitting Conditions

Initial and Tuned Fit Results for the Enhance Select 50R

We measured this Jabra model in both its out-of-box configuration and after app-based tuning adjustments. The summaries below present how the device performed under each fitting condition in our standardized tests.

Lab Test Summary

With the initial open dome fitting, the Jabra Enhance Select 50R achieves a normalized score of 3.7/5. Speech in quiet measures 2.3/5, while speech in noise scores 1.0/5—indicating limited benefit in challenging listening environments out of the box. Own-voice comfort is a strength at 4.6/5, and feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5. Music streaming starts at 2.1/5. This initial configuration prioritizes comfort and natural sound over maximum audibility.

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.

Metric Breakdown

Five Lab Measurements for the Jabra Enhance Select 50R

Our testing protocol evaluates speech clarity in quiet, speech understanding in noise, feedback management, own-voice naturalness, and music streaming quality. Each metric below reflects controlled acoustic measurements on a 0-5 scale.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.7
Tuned Score
3.9
Speech in quiet
New
best
2.3
5.0
Own voice
best
4.6
5.0
Speech in noise
New
best
1.0
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
2.1
5.0

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Amplification Analysis

Insertion Gain Measurements for the Enhance Select 50R

The graph below displays the measured amplification this device provides across frequencies compared to prescriptive targets. Insertion gain data reveals how closely the Enhance Select 50R matches evidence-based fitting recommendations.

Graph

Audio Samples

Manikin Recordings of the Jabra Enhance Select 50R

We captured audio through this hearing aid using our head-and-torso simulator in controlled conditions. Compare the processed output below with our unaided reference to hear how the device shapes incoming sound.

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 50R Lab

Test Configuration

How We Set Up the Enhance Select 50R for Testing

Our lab documents the specific settings, app configurations, and fitting parameters used during measurement. The notes below provide transparency into the exact conditions under which we evaluated this device.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Open Dome
Closed Vented Dome
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
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