The majority of additional features on the 500—including Jabra’s SoundScape voice clarity technology, top-notch support from professional audiologists, and even a choice of five colors—remain unchanged in any way can be detected. A single button on either device still controls volume (up with the right button, down with the left button) and selects four operating modes. Unlike many hearing aidsThe button is large enough and well placed that you can easily find it without having to fumble behind your ear.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses the same app as other Jabra hearing aids, and setup and management are identical this time around. The app works well, is easy to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra support if you want to adjust your listening profile, order a longer receiver cable, or simply ask questions about how to everything works. One million ear tips are included (still) to make fitting a snap.
Impressive audio performance
Again, I have no complaints about the 500’s audio performance, and I couldn’t detect any difference between the 300 and 500. Hiss is minimal and virtually absent at low volumes. Moreover, the different listening modes are thoughtful but not entirely necessary. Comprehensive mode works well in almost every situation. As I commented on the 300 series at the time, these hearing aids provided just the right amount of sound gain when I needed it, never making my ears ring or amplifying the wrong types of sounds like footsteps, the sound of typing on a keyboard or a squeaking chair.
Photo: Chris Null
The only real downside is that the media streaming quality is still terrible, making music sound like it’s being transmitted through a tin can on a wire across the room. I would only consider using assistive devices of this type for occasional phone calls or emergencies. Again: There are no changes from the 300 in this regard, although the 500 now supports touch-based phone control on Android rather than just iOS.
If there’s a silver lining here, it’s the price: The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids cost about the same as the 300s when we originally reviewed them: $1,995 with a three-year warranty and support, or $1,795 with a one-year warranty and no access to Jabra audiologists. The first option is the only one worth considering; Jabra’s adaptations for audiologists have made a difference.
The real question is whether you should consider it Go for a Select 300 boost instead. Now priced at $1,695 (or $1,495 with a one-year warranty), the old model is 18% cheaper and ends up being only 3% heavier. Looking at it another way: Is FOMO worth $300?
The solution is left as an exercise for the reader.
