Why do so many people who need hearing aids go without them? According to the American Academy of Audiology, it’s often because hearing aids are expensive and not easy to access. More than 24 percent of respondents to our reviews team’s survey of more than 600 hearing aid users reported that their biggest barrier to purchasing hearing aids was the cost. Fortunately, there are companies that sell OTC hearing aids directly to consumers to offset these costs and make hearing aids more accessible. Jabra Enhance, the new name for Lively, aims to lower the cost of hearing aids, while still offering high-quality hearing technology and excellent customer service. We’ll break down the pros and cons, describe the key features and models, and show you a few Jabra Enhance hearing aid reviews from customers to help you determine whether they are the right choice for you.
Deeply researched the hearing device categoryConsulted with audiologists and hearing device expertsMystery shopped 30 brandsSurveyed more than 600 hearing aid usersRead and reviewed the current studies published in this spaceRead thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
Our reviews team chose to take an in-depth look at Jabra Enhance for several reasons. First, this brand is known for its high-tech features, quality customer care, reasonable pricing, and overall reliability. One huge perk of Jabra Enhance is that you have ongoing access to an audiology care team to ensure that you get the support you need. That level of professional care — without the in-person appointments and high costs — is what caught our attention. Lively’s Switch to Jabra Enhance Lively hearing aids and Jabra products, which include headsets and speakerphones, are both made by the parent company, GN ReSound. The merging of the two brands in November 2022 paired Lively’s hearing aid technology and online customer care with Jabra’s cutting-edge audio capabilities created the Jabra Enhance line of hearing aids. According to the company’s website, Jabra Enhance hearing aids include the same features, customer support, and warranties as the previous Lively models. After poring through verified customer reviews and evaluating the different Jabra Enhance hearing aid models, we feel confident that this particular brand should be on your list as you research the best hearing aids in 2023.
Free online hearing tests and no in-person consultations necessaryThree-year access to virtual, on-demand care from an audiology care teamMoney-back 100-day guaranteeOwned by ReSound, Jabra Enhance features impressive audio and hearing technology powered by a major brand
Cons
Limited number of models and only one style of hearing aidNot meant for profound hearing loss
RELATED: Hearing Aids in 2023: Shopping for Hearing Aids at Costco The Jabra Enhance website also has a Quick Start Guide to help you walk through the basics, how to charge your device, and how to connect to the app that allows you to adjust your hearing aid settings from anywhere.
Jabra Enhance Ratings
On BBB, Jabra Enhance (previously Lively) has an A+ rating and an average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5, although this is based on only 13 total reviews. Positive Reviews Reviewers report satisfaction with Jabra’s knowledgeable customer service, and they are pleased with the ability to make sound adjustments through the app. Negative Reviews Most Jabra hearing aids complaints have to do with shipping issues and difficulties getting in touch with customer support. — EDWARD S., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) “Fantastic product and outstanding service! It has been wonderful having one audiologist assigned that knows my background. She did the original pre-purchase interview onward and has been a pleasure to work with. The product is small and not intrusive even with my glasses. I love the setting changes I can do myself from the app!” — STEVE H., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) “Recently purchased a pair of Lively aids and they are everything they say they are. Comfortable, easy to use and adjust, great support and affordable. Highly recommend anyone with hearing loss consider these. — JOHN C., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)
Bluetooth capability for all modelsBattery-powered or rechargeable hearing aid modelsFive to eight colors to choose from, depending on the modelStereo streaming available for all Apple devices and select Android devicesAdjustable hearing aid settings via the mobile appNoise-canceling and feedback-reduction technology to improve sound qualityMusic Mode available on the Enhance Select 100 and Enhance Select 200 modelsEnhance Select 50 includes one-year supply of disposable hearing aid batteries
Jabra Enhance Online Hearing Test Jabra offers a free online hearing test that you can take at your convenience, or you can upload a traditional audiogram. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, an audiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sounds at different volumes and frequencies to measure the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss. After you take the five-minute online test, an audiologist will review the results and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Jabra Enhance hearing aids. According to Amy Myers, AuD, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at UNC Greensboro in North Carolina, an online hearing test cannot replicate the detailed information of an in-person exam. That is because “online exams only do a brief evaluation” and “aren’t completed in a sound-controlled environment,” she says. Still, Dr. Myers notes that the most important aspect of assisting any person with hearing loss is that “the patient understands their hearing loss, their options, and feels that they are being supported.” One unique feature of this brand is that Jabra’s audiology team combines the online hearing test with ongoing consultations to help you get the most out of your hearing aids. Our reviews team found that Eargo customers reported excellent sound amplification and feedback cancellation, and a comfortable inner-ear fit. Another plus our reviews team liked about Eargo is the free sample hearing aids — a non-operational set of hearing aids that you can order and try for comfort and fit before you invest in a pair. For more information, read our in-depth Eargo hearing aids review.
Widex Hearing Aids
In our top hearing aids review, we named the Widex Moment best for sound. Widex carries other models as well and offers options for both rechargeable and disposable batteries. The cost for a pair of Widex hearing aids ranges from $2,500 to $6,500 per pair, considerably higher than a pair of Jabra Enhance hearing aids. The Widex Moment’s best feature is its ZeroDelay sound technology, which reduces the time it takes to process sound, ultimately resulting in a more realistic sound for the user, according to Widex. It also delivers in battery life, which lasts up to 72 hours on one full charge, and Bluetooth capabilities for streaming music and phone calls. For more information, read in our in-depth Widex hearing aids review.
MDHearing Hearing Aids
We rated MDHearing hearing aids best for budget-conscious customers. Compared with Jabra Enhance, the cost for a pair of hearing aids from MDHearing starts at $399 per device, or $799 per pair, and tops off at $799 per device, or $1,899 per pair, making them one of the most affordable hearing aid brands on the market. Some of pros of MDHearing include a 45-day trial period, an audiologist-supervised online sales process with recommendations based on your online hearing test results, access to a licensed hearing instrument specialist for fittings, and options for both rechargeable and disposable batteries. Some cons include its limited selection of models, with only behind-the-ear models available, and a limited basic warranty of just 90 days. After narrowing down our selections, we consulted with an audiologist who medically reviewed each brand and model. We determined our top picks based on the following criteria:
Special featuresUser experienceCostCustomer serviceReputation and credibility
In our review of the best hearing aids, we identified Jabra as having “Best Customer Service.” In addition, Jabra Enhance is an excellent choice if you’re looking for quality hearing aids, affordable prices, and personalized, professional expertise without the hassle of in-person visits. Check out our comprehensive hearing aid buyer’s guide for more information on how you can select the right hearing aid for you.
