Could this be the thing that helps 18 million Americans treat their hearing challenges?
For one reason or another, hearing loss has always carried a stigma; those with it are often labeled “old” or “broken.” This attitude seems to prevent people with hearing loss from seeking a solution.
The truth is, it’s estimated that over 18 million Americans (of all ages) have untreated hearing loss. It’s no wonder why technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with big brands eager to take a chunk out of this burgeoning market.
When I read the news on August 18, 2021, and learned that Jabra has now entered the hearing aid market with a brand-new category of devices called “lifestyle devices,” I was eager to learn about the new product.
What Are “Lifestyle Devices,” How Are They Different From Hearing Devices, and Whom Are They Intended to Help?
After studying the press release and gathering all the information I could find, I’ve got to say that Jabra has perfectly timed this rollout, considering President Biden’s executive order to accelerate the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids.
Jabra conducted in-depth research. They learned that people wanted a simplified hearing device that was a lower-cost alternative to hearing instruments but still supported by a hearing care professional. Their new product, the Jabra Enhance Plus, is specifically designed for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss and are looking for something to wear part-time. These candidates are seeking to improve their hearing ability in social settings. They also want a phone-connected wireless earbud for streaming quality music and listening to in-ear phone calls.
This new category of devices promises to be discreet and multifunctional and to deliver the benefits that younger people with active and modern needs have long been seeking. The Jabra Enhance Plus combines the latest in high-grade consumer electronics and hearing technology.
But There Is One Part That Stands Out …
Unlike the recently launched Bose SoundControl hearing devices, the Jabra Enhance Plus encourages a hearing professional to first check your candidacy. Given how many people incorrectly self-diagnose, that is a big step forward. As a customer, you will be able to visit your local certified Jabra Enhance seller or work with an online professional.
Other aggressively advertised devices, which offer only self-diagnosis and programming of the devices via an app, ignore the risks of not using a hearing professional who understands your own unique circumstances. There are many scenarios in which a self-diagnosis has caused significant, long-term damage. We test many ears per week. We often meet people who have hearing challenges due to wax, eardrum perforations, infections, or other, more complicated medical problems that need to be addressed.
What Makes the Jabra Enhance Plus Different From Other Hearing Devices?
I must stress that the Jabra Enhance Plus is NOT A REPLACEMENT for traditional hearing aids, and it’s not in competition with them.
The Key Benefits of the Jabra Enhance Plus Include:
- Digital noise reduction to cut background noise
- Speech-in-noise capabilities to help you to hear conversations in louder environments
- A 10-hour battery life on a single charge and up to 30 hours of battery life total, when recharged using the carry case
- Eargels in three sizes for a secure and comfortable fit
- Rich and clear sound for music and phone calls (just as you would expect from Jabra)
Who Would Benefit Most From the Jabra Enhance Plus?
From what I can see, this product has been designed for the 18 million people who have an untreated hearing loss but may not be quite ready for hearing aids. This includes adults of all ages.
Jabra understands the real concerns people have about the appearance of hearing aids. Many people prefer to wear a stylish, earphone-like earbud instead of the typical, behind-the-ear hearing aid design.
These devices are mainly for people who:
- Acknowledge having hearing challenges and are looking for support only in occasional situations
- Want a “miniature” product that is discreet but visible and comes in a nontraditional form
- Don’t want a traditional hearing aid but do want the comfort of medical technology & backup support
- Want a multifunctional and easy-to-use affordable device
- Would like others to believe they’re wearing an earphone (when, in reality, the device is helping them to hear)
We are hopeful that these devices and others like them will start to normalize the treatment of hearing loss and give confidence to more people, who will no longer have to struggle as much as they do now.
In my opinion, this product would be great for Californians who want to:
- Hear more clearly in business meetings
- Cut through the background noise in airports and crowded venues
- Focus on what their friends and family are saying in social scenarios
- Better communicate with servers when discussing menu choices
- Give their barista their preferred coffee order (and hear their name called when it’s ready!)
- Stream music clearly, at a lower volume
- Have clearer, hands-free conversations on the phone
- And much more
They’re aimed at assisting in certain situations, not being a long-term hearing loss solution.
How Much Will the Jabra Enhance Plus Cost?
At this time, it’s unknown, as there has been no announced cost. The general expectation is that these will be priced at a slightly higher cost than premium headphones, but they’ll be slightly less expensive than entry-level hearing aids.
Based on this, we’re predicting around $1,000 a pair. But at this stage, it’s all speculation.
What Is My Opinion and Advice to You?
- Jabra is the leader in headset communication technology. With Jabra, you know you will get a well-tested, quality product that you can trust.
- Jabra has packed a lot of features into an attractive, rechargeable product.
- Everyone wants a low-cost hearing solution. Since you get what you pay for, make sure that the benefit you receive from the device gives you the performance that you need. If you feel that the Jabra Enhance Plus helps, but you wish it did more to enhance your hearing, return to your hearing care professional to discuss options with more features.
- Beware of one-size-fits-some options. You may need a more customized solution to be comfortable.
- Developing a relationship with a hearing care professional is an important part of your hearing care journey. Do you prescribe your own medications or fix your own teeth? You can’t even see in your own ears, let alone properly diagnose perceived hearing loss. Don’t discount the value of working with a professional.
- Hearing devices are a long-term investment. What do you do when they become dead or filled with wax? What if you need help connecting the devices to your phone? Do you want the help of a hearing professional that you can visit, or do you want to call an 800 number?
- This is currently only compatible with iPhones.
Intrigued and Want to Learn More? Here’s What to Do Next.
If you are interested in discussing your or a loved one’s hearing and exploring the correct next step, you can contact us by clicking here.
The South Bay Hearing team has the most trusted hearing care experts in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. We have transformed over 30,000 lives through better hearing. We’re here for you.