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Parent company GN bought Lively in 2021, and rebranded to Jabra Enhance in 2022. Are the hearing aids offered still the same quality? Find out in this brand review.
About
A hearing aid can help amplify sounds and allow people with hearing loss to follow conversations.
However, the
Most prescription hearing aids can cost anywhere from $900 to $6,000 or more, and they aren’t fully covered by medical insurance.
Lively, now known as Jabra Enhance, is a company that provides direct-access prescription-quality hearing aids online. The company’s pricing is more affordable compared with similar devices on the market.
Jabra’s hearing aids are available for purchase online without prescription and are listed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Lively only recently rebranded as Jabra Enhance after being acquired by GN Group. GN Group is an audio technology manufacturer that was founded in 1869. Prior to the rebrand, Jabra primarily offered audio tech solutions like headsets and speakers.
While the Jabra brand is relatively new to the online hearing aid market, its hearing aids are produced by a decades-old hearing aid manufacturer with a solid reputation called ReSound.
Types of hearing aids
Hearing aids aren’t suitable for everyone with hearing loss. However, taking Jabra’s at-home hearing test and consulting with their audiologists can help you determine if they’re a good fit for your needs. The hearing aids are best for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.
The company recommends getting an in-person exam before purchasing hearing aids. This can rule out potential underlying medical causes for hearing loss. An exam can also determine whether a hearing aid will help you, since a hearing aid won’t benefit all people with hearing loss.
Hearing aids vs. PSAPs
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are certain over-the-counter (OTC) devices that often cost way less than a regular hearing aid. PSAPs are not for people with hearing loss, but are meant for people with
The FDA doesn’t currently allow PSAPs to be sold as hearing aids. Jabra Enhance offers hearing aids, and offers a PSAP as a separate product. The FDA recently
Whether you decide to opt for a hearing aid or a PSAP, it’s essential to get a hearing exam first. A hearing aid specialist or audiologist can help you figure out the next steps and determine whether you need a customized hearing aid.
Jabra Enhance offers three different hearing aid models, including battery-operated and rechargeable options. The battery-operated hearing aid model is the least expensive of the three.
All models are receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids that have a component that sits behind the ear (BTE). They’re also all Bluetooth enabled, so you can control them via the companion iOS or Android app.
Each hearing aid also features customizable programs suited to different environments and directional microphones to help amplify specific sounds like speech.
Each model is:
- equipped with noise-canceling or reduction technology
- able to stream music and calls from your device
- almost invisible and hidden behind the ear
- custom-programmed by a Jabra audiologist
- compatible with most iOS devices and a wide range of Android devices
- adjustable via the smartphone app
- available in five colors
- covered by a 3-year warranty, including 3 years of loss and damage protection
- eligible for a risk-free 100-day trial
Here’s a breakdown of the different options. Note that the prices listed below are based on the basic models.
Up until recently, it wasn’t possible to buy hearing aids over the counter. In August 2022, the FDA issued a
This ruling means that more people might be able to access hearing aids at a lower cost. However, not all hearing aids can be bought online. The ruling only applies to hearing aids that:
- use air-conduction technology
- are designed for mild to moderate hearing impairment
- are intended for people 18 years or older
In addition to OTC hearing aids, you can buy PSAPs over the counter. It’s best to talk with an audiologist before purchasing a PSAP or hearing aid, as they aren’t suitable for everybody with a hearing impairment.
As of April 2023, Jabra Enhance is offering all of their hearing aids as OTC hearing aids. Jabra also offers the Enhance Plus model that qualifies as a PSAP.
Pros
- Pricing: Jabra aids are less expensive than comparable devices on the market.
- Bonus support package: At no extra cost, buyers get a free virtual consultation with an expert and ongoing support for their devices.
- Manual adjustments: In addition to adjustments by an expert on staff, you can also fine-tune your device’s settings via the iOS or Android app.
Cons
- No custom fittings: Because there’s no in-person exam, these devices are not custom-fitted for you.
- Not suitable for severe hearing loss: The hearing aids are designed to help with mild to moderate hearing loss. Not everyone will benefit from wearing this type of hearing aid.
Jabra’s hearing aids are much more affordable than similar, custom, prescription hearing aids. The cheapest pair of rechargeable ones cost $1,495 for the basic model, while the lower-cost battery-powered hearing aids cost $1,195 for the basic model. The Enhance Select 200 is the most expensive of the three, going for $1,995 for the premium model, and $1,795 for the basic.
All three hearing aid models have a financing option as well.
Jabra claims that, because the company doesn’t have brick-and-mortar locations and conducts all business online, it can cut costs and save the customer money.
Buying a hearing aid online is easy and convenient, but it’s not a great option if you have severe hearing loss.
If you have severe hearing loss, you might not benefit from an OTC hearing aid. You may also need more customization than an online retailer can give you.
Whether you choose to buy online or directly from an audiologist, a hearing exam is a must. Getting an exam can pinpoint the cause and severity of hearing loss and rule out any other
| Name | Price of product | Battery | Style of hearing aid | Warranty | Trial period | Financing | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabra Enhance | starts at $1,195 per ear | rechargeable and replaceable options | RIC only | 3 years | 100 days | yes | yes |
| Eargo | starts at $1,450 | rechargeable (contact and inductive charging options) | IIC (invisible in canal) | 1–2 years | 45 days | yes | yes |
| Phonak | depends on provider | rechargeable and replaceable options | BTE, RIC, ITE, IIC | 1-year limited manufacturer | 45 days for consumers in New York, New Mexico, and Vermont | depends on provider | yes, some models |
| ReSound | depends on provider | rechargeable and replaceable options | BTE, RIE | depends on provider | no, but allow testing at any hearing aid center that sells ReSound’s products | depends on provider | yes, some models |
| MDHearing | starts at $799 per ear | rechargeable and replaceable options | BTE | 90 days | no, but offers returns within 45 days of purchase | yes | yes (CORE model) |
Jabra Enhance is a relatively new brand. Even before it was rebranded from Lively, it was pretty new to the online hearing aid market but had a reasonably good reputation so far. The company is Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited and has an A+ rating.
Generally, people have positive things to say about Lively’s hearing aids.
However, because the hearing aids aren’t custom-fitted, some customers complain about fitting issues. There are also reviews from people who had programming and connection issues with the devices.
Customers do note that these hearing aids aren’t helpful for severe hearing loss, but they mention that the trial and returns process was smooth.
Jabra has a 100-day trial policy with a money-back guarantee. The company also covers shipping costs in this guarantee.
The hearing aids come with a 3-year warranty and 3 years of damage and loss protection. Jabra Enhance hearing professionals will also help customize and adjust your hearing aids as you wear them to make sure you find the best fit for you. Read more about their warranty program and what it encompasses.
To order Jabra hearing aids, you first have to create a profile. Taking a hearing test or uploading an audiogram is optional but recommended if you have noticed significant changes in your hearing or have daily difficulties to understand those around you.
The hearing test monitors the hearing in both ears. You’ll listen to sounds at varying volumes and frequencies. At the end of the test, you need to provide your name, email, and phone number to see your results.
Your results will show you whether you have hearing loss in both ears or one and which frequencies are affected. You can choose whether you want a battery-powered or rechargeable device, then select from various color options.
Once you select and add to cart your preferred hearing aid, you can add your billing information and place your order. The next steps in the process include:
- a one-on-one virtual meeting with a hearing specialist on staff
- remote adjustments by an audiologist
Keep in mind there’s no option to buy a single hearing aid, even if the impairment detected affects only a single ear.
If you have questions during or after your consultation about hearing aids, you can talk with an audiologist from Jabra at any point in time.
Are Jabra hearing aids covered by insurance?
Most insurance providers don’t cover hearing aids.
Does Medicare cover Jabra hearing aids?
No, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids. If the cost of hearing aids is outside your budget, some retailers offer financing so you can pay for hearing aids over time. You can also look for nonprofit programs that help people with hearing loss buy hearing aids.
Medicaid, however, can help families with the cost of hearing aids, but it does vary by state and candidate. For more information about what Medicaid offers, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Where can I buy Jabra Enhance hearing aids?
You can buy Jabra Enhance hearing aids directly from their website.
Do I need to take a hearing test to buy Jabra Enhance hearing aids?
As of April 2023 and in conjunction with the
Their website stresses using their hearing specialists for any questions or hesitancies about purchasing hearing aids. A hearing professional can also recommend hearing aid options that might work for your level of hearing loss.
What does the Jabra Enhance hearing aid warranty include and cover?
Jabra hearing aids come with a 3-year warranty that includes loss and damage protection.
Within the 3-year warranty, Jabra offers you continuous support with your hearing aids through their hearing professionals. They’ll help customize and adjust your hearing aids as you wear them to make sure you find the best fit for you.
Keep in mind that for replacing hearing aids or a charging case, there are deductibles you must pay. Read more about their warranty program and what it encompasses.
Jabra’s hearing aids are a more affordable option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The online test can also give you an idea of whether you have hearing loss.
While we recommend getting an in-person exam before committing to any hearing aid purchase, Jabra makes it easy to buy hearing aids online.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.