The overwhelming majority of extra options on the five hundred—together with Jabra’s SoundScape speech readability know-how, top-tier help from skilled audiologists, and even the selection of 5 colours— haven’t modified in any detectable method. A single button on both help nonetheless controls quantity (up with the fitting button, down with the left) and selection of 4 operational modes. In contrast to many hearing aids, the button is massive sufficient and positioned effectively so you’ll be able to simply discover it with out fumbling round behind your ear.
The Jabra Improve Choose 500 makes use of the identical app as different Jabra listening to aids, and setup and administration are equivalent this time round. The app works effectively, is simple to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra help if you wish to tweak your listening profile, order longer receiver wires, or just ask questions on how issues work. A gazillion eartips are (nonetheless) included to make correct becoming a snap.
Spectacular Audio Efficiency
As soon as once more, I’ve no complaints in regards to the 500’s audio efficiency, and I couldn’t detect any distinction between the 300 and the five hundred. Hiss is minimal and all however absent at decrease volumes, and the assorted listening modes are considerate however not fully wanted. The all-around mode works high quality in just about all conditions. As I remarked in regards to the 300 collection on the time, these listening to aids present simply the correct amount of increase to audio the place I would like it, by no means blowing out my ears or amplifying the fallacious forms of feels like footsteps, keyboard faucets, or squeaky chairs.
{Photograph}: Chris Null
The one actual draw back is that the standard of media streaming stays terrible, making music sound prefer it’s being piped by a tin can on a string throughout the room. I’d think about using the aids on this style just for occasional phone calls or in an emergency. Once more: No change from the 300 on this entrance, although the five hundred now helps tap-based telephone controls on Android as a substitute of simply iOS.
If there’s a catch right here, it’s the value: The Jabra Improve Choose 500 listening to aids price the identical because the 300 did after we initially reviewed them: $1,995 with a three-year guarantee and help, or $1,795 with a one-year guarantee and no entry to Jabra’s audiologists. The previous is the one choice price contemplating; Jabra’s audiologist tweaks make all of the distinction.
The true query is whether or not you must contemplate the Enhance Select 300 instead. Now priced at $1,695 (or $1,495 with a one-year guarantee), the older mannequin is eighteen p.c cheaper and, in any case, solely 3 p.c heavier. it one other method: Is FOMO price $300?
The answer is left as an train for the reader.
