The vast majority of the 500’s additional features, including Jabra’s SoundScape speech clarity technology, top-notch support from professional audiologists, and even the choice of five colors, haven’t changed in any detectable way. A single button on either device still controls volume (up with the right button, down with the left) and the choice of four operating modes. Unlike many headphones, the button is large enough and well placed so you can easily find it without having to reach behind your ear.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses the same app as other Jabra hearing aids, and this time the setup and management are identical. The app works well, is easy to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra support if you want to modify your listening profile, request longer receiver cables, or just ask questions about how things work. Millions of ear tips are (still) included to make proper fit a breeze.
Stunning 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 lower volumes, and the various listening modes are well thought out, but not entirely necessary. . Full mode works well in virtually all situations. As I commented about the 300 series at the time, these headphones provide just the right amount of audio reinforcement where I need it, without ever blowing out my ears or amplifying the wrong types of sounds like footsteps, keyboard taps, or squeaky chairs.
Photography: Chris Null
The only real downside is that the streaming media quality is still terrible, making music sound like it’s being transmitted through a can on a string across the room. I would consider using the aids this way only for occasional phone calls or in case of emergency. Again: No changes from the 300 on this front, although the 500 now supports touch-based phone controls on Android rather than just iOS.
If there’s a downside here, it’s the price: The Jabra Enhance Select 500 headphones cost the same as the 300 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 the Jabra audiologists. The first is the only option worth considering; Jabra audiologist adjustments make a difference.
The real question is whether to consider the Improve Select 300 instead. Now priced at $1,695 (or $1,495 with a one-year warranty), the previous model is 18 percent cheaper and, after all, only 3 percent heavier. Looking at it another way: Is FOMO worth $300?
The solution is left as an exercise for the reader.