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Jabra Enhance Select 50R Expert Review

Premium OTCReleased 2023

Our independent lab tested the Jabra Enhance Select 50R using standardized electroacoustic measurements and real-ear simulation. This review presents objective performance data across five key metrics to help you evaluate this behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid.

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 OTC hearing aid priced at $1,195, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #19 among 63 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 29% of the category.

In our testing, the Enhance Select 50R demonstrates notable strengths in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.8/5—a solid result that sits 1.16 points above the category average. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical daily activities. Music streaming scored 2.8/5, which is above the category average by 0.87 points but remains mixed in absolute terms for critical listening.

The device shows some limitations in challenging acoustic situations. Speech in noise performance is low at 0.8/5, falling 0.33 points below the category average—a consideration for those frequently in noisy restaurants or crowded gatherings. Own-voice comfort scored 2.5/5, essentially matching the category average but reflecting mixed absolute performance that some users may notice.

At this price point, several alternatives in the same price range achieved higher scores in our testing, including other Jabra models like the Enhance Select 300 and 500. The Enhance Select 50R may suit users who prioritize reliable feedback control and clear speech in quieter settings, though those regularly facing background noise should consider higher-performing options.

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

Bottom Line

Where the Enhance Select 50R Stands After Lab Testing

The verdict below synthesizes our measured results into an overall assessment of the Jabra Enhance Select 50R. It reflects how this device performed across all five lab metrics relative to other OTC hearing aids we have tested.

HearAdvisor Verdict
BTop 60% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R delivers excellent feedback handling and strong speech clarity in quiet settings, best suited for listeners in low-noise environments.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Strong speech in quiet+1.16 vs category
  • Above-average music streaming for OTC
Drawbacks
  • Low speech-in-noise performance0.8/5
  • Premium price at $1,195

Test Conditions

Initial and Tuned Fit Results for the 50R

We measured the Jabra Enhance Select 50R in both its Initial factory configuration and after app-based Tuned adjustments. The summaries below detail how each fit condition performed in our test chamber.

Lab Test Summary

With an open dome coupling out of the box, the Jabra Enhance Select 50R achieved a normalized Initial Score of 3.7/5. Speech in quiet measured 2.8/5 in this configuration, while own-voice comfort was notably strong at 4.6/5—reflecting the more open fit. Feedback handling remained excellent at 5.0/5, and speech in noise was low at 0.8/5. Music streaming scored 2.1/5 initially. This configuration prioritizes natural sound and comfort but delivers less speech audibility than the tuned setup.

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.

Performance Breakdown

Five Lab Metrics for the Enhance Select 50R

Our testing evaluates speech clarity in quiet, speech understanding in noise, feedback control, own-voice naturalness, and music streaming quality. The score card below shows how the Jabra Enhance Select 50R measured on each dimension.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.7
Tuned Score
3.9
Speech in quiet
best
2.8
5.0
Own voice
best
4.6
5.0
Speech in noise
best
0.8
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
2.1
5.0

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Amplification Analysis

How the 50R Matches Prescribed Gain Targets

The insertion gain graph below plots the Jabra Enhance Select 50R's measured amplification against prescriptive fitting targets. This comparison shows where the device provides gain across the frequency range and how closely it follows established guidelines.

Graph

Audio Evidence

Manikin Recordings of the Enhance Select 50R

We captured audio samples through the Jabra Enhance Select 50R fitted on our acoustic test manikin. Compare these recordings to the unaided reference below to hear what our measurements represent in practice.

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 Documentation

Configuration Details for the 50R Lab Session

The notes below document the specific settings, firmware version, and test parameters used during our evaluation of the Jabra Enhance Select 50R. This information ensures our methodology remains transparent and reproducible.

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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