When does an OTC hearing aid with remote audiology beat going to a traditional clinic?
Traditional audiologist clinics charge $3,000–$7,000 for prescription hearing aids including an in-person fitting and follow-up visits. For mild to moderate hearing loss — the most common presentation in first-time hearing aid buyers — the main clinical advantage is real-ear measurement, which no OTC device fully replicates remotely. For everything else — speech clarity in noise, Bluetooth streaming, battery reliability, and ongoing adjustment — the Select 700 competes directly, with three years of licensed audiology support delivered via the app for $1,995. The right call depends on loss severity: moderate-to-severe loss benefits more from in-person fitting than mild loss does.
Jabra Enhance Select 700 OTC Hearing Aids
Jabra's most advanced OTC hearing aid — micro RIE design, SoundScape™ noise reduction, Bluetooth LE Audio, three years of audiology support.
Key Features
- Auto Focus noise reduction: the processing chip locks onto the nearest voice and suppresses noise from other directions — rated above average for speech clarity in noise by HearAdvisor
- TapControl: double-tap your ear to answer or end calls on iPhone 11+ or compatible Android
- Auracast™ ready: built-in support for public venue audio broadcast coming to transit hubs and theaters
- 24-hour battery per charge; charging case adds three more full charges for 96 hours on the go
- IP68 waterproof: sweat, rain, and daily moisture handled without special care
- Built-in tinnitus sound generator with app support, included at no extra cost
- FSA/HSA accepted; financing from $55/month with 0% APR options
Best for
Seniors whose hearing has slipped far enough that television and restaurants have become work, but not so far that a clinic referral is the obvious next step — especially anyone who has delayed because of appointment logistics rather than cost.
Adult children buying for a parent who has refused this conversation before. The 100-day return window is the argument, because it makes the decision reversible rather than final.
Worth knowing
At $1,995 it sits above most over-the-counter aids and well into the range of prescription aids sold through high-volume retailers such as Costco — worth pricing both routes against your own loss level and your appetite for remote versus in-person support. Intended for mild and moderate loss only; not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss. Full audiology access runs through the companion app, so a compatible smartphone is effectively required — the aids work without one, but the remote fine-tuning that justifies much of the price does not. There is no t-coil, so public hearing loop systems in theaters and churches are not supported.
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Are OTC hearing aids worth it for seniors?
Jabra Enhance is part of the GN Group, the Danish company behind ReSound and Beltone prescription hearing aids. The Select 700 borrows its processing platform from GN's professional-grade technology — not consumer audio engineering — which is why it sounds closer to a prescription aid than most OTC devices at any price.
Every purchase includes three years of video appointments with licensed audiologists, remote fine-tuning through the Jabra Enhance Select app, and a 100-day risk-free trial. Setup starts with an online hearing test or your existing audiogram; Jabra pre-programs the aids before shipping. After that, adjustments happen entirely through the app — the audiology team reviews your feedback, pushes updated settings to your phone, and you download them directly to the hearing aids. No office visit required.
Six color options — Sparkling Silver, Sand, Gold, Bronze, Warm Gray, and Red — are matched to hair and skin tones for a near-invisible fit. Accessories include a TV Streamer+ (streams audio up to 22 feet) and a Multi Mic+ (extends speaker range to 82 feet for one-on-one conversations across a room).
Frequently Asked Questions
Video consultations with licensed audiologists, remote hearing aid adjustments pushed through the app, a 3-year warranty with loss and damage protection, and a 100-day risk-free return window. US-based customer support by phone is also included for the life of the device.
Yes — it supports Bluetooth LE Audio for both iOS and Android. Hands-free calling works on iPhone 11 and newer, and on compatible Android devices. Jabra publishes a full compatibility list at jabraenhance.com/compatibility.
No. The Select 700 is an OTC device intended for mild to moderate hearing loss, per FDA OTC hearing aid regulations. If you have an audiogram showing loss beyond the moderate range, consult a licensed audiologist before purchasing.
The hearing aids work out of the box, but the Jabra Enhance Select app is required to access remote audiology consultations, custom adjustments, and the tinnitus sound generator. The experience is significantly better with it.
Yes — Jabra Enhance accepts FSA and HSA cards. Financing is also available from $55/month with 0% APR options through Bread Pay, with no impact on your credit score to check eligibility.
No. Original Medicare covers no hearing aids of any kind, prescription or over-the-counter, and does not cover the exams used to fit them. Many Medicare Advantage plans include an annual hearing allowance, though it is often restricted to the plan contracted suppliers. Part B does cover a diagnostic hearing exam when a doctor orders it to investigate a medical condition such as sudden hearing loss or dizziness, as distinct from fitting a device.
How does it compare?
Other options in this category worth considering.
| Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jabra Enhance Select 700 OTC Hearing Aids This pick | $1995–$1995 | Seniors whose hearing has slipped far enough that television and restaurants have become work, but not so far that a clinic referral is the obvious next step — especially anyone who has delayed because of appointment logistics rather than cost. | Adult children buying for a parent who has refused this conversation before. The 100-day return window is the argument, because it makes the decision reversible rather than final. |
| Audien Atom X Touchscreen OTC Hearing Aids | $389–$389 | Seniors who want hearing aid controls without a smartphone app | A practical gift for a parent who's hearing-test-avoidant but comfortable with a simple touchscreen. |
| Elehear Beyond Pro OTC Hearing Aids | $599–$599 | Seniors who struggle most in noisy social settings — restaurants, family gatherings, crowded rooms — rather than quiet one-on-one conversation | A meaningful gift for a parent who's stopped going to noisy family events because keeping up with conversation has become exhausting. |
| Audien Atom Pro 2 OTC Hearing Aids | $289–$289 | Seniors who want hearing help without managing an app, account, or smartphone pairing | An easy, low-pressure gift for a parent who's been putting off hearing aids because every option seemed too complicated. |
Prices are approximate ranges — check each retailer for today's price.
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Products on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before purchasing or using any health product.