Although we have been caring for the hearing health of Abilene since 2004, it’s been mesmerizing to watch just how much has changed over the past few years.
The technological advancements in hearing technology mean that devices are more discreet than ever before, offer more power, better performance, and enhance additional areas of your life through rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity.
But although technology continues to improve, there remains an estimated 18 million of us that have untreated hearing loss.
The question is, why do so many people have an untreated hearing loss, and what are big brands like Jabra trying to do to create a solution?
Well, on August 18, 2021, there was an announcement of a brand-new category of devices called “lifestyle devices” – spearheaded by a new product called the Jabra Enhance Plus.
After studying the press release and after doing some research of my own, the first thing I’d like to say is that this is certainly interesting. The Jabra Enhance Plus promises to be discreet, multi-functional, and deliver the benefits that younger people with active and modern needs have long sought.
It’s distinctively different from traditional hearing aids, as it is a combination of the latest in high-grade consumer electronics and hearing technology designed to deliver what is promised to be sleek earbuds that offer capabilities including personalized hearing enhancement as well as offering great quality music and seamless in-ear phone calls.
However, unlike the recently launched Bose SoundControl, the Enhance Plus encourages the support of a hearing care professional to check your candidacy first, which is a big step forward given how many people incorrectly self-diagnose themselves. This means that you will be able to visit your local Certified Jabra Enhance Center or work with an online professional.
With over-the-counter devices currently being a very hot topic following the recent executive order from President Biden adding pressure for affordable solutions being made available to even more Americans, this product has potentially come at the best time.
The question is, how is it different from anything else that is available, and what does this mean for you and the people that you care about who potentially have some form of hearing loss?
Everything You Need To Know About The Jabra Enhance Plus
Firstly, 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 Jabra Enhance Plus is specifically for people who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss who are looking to improve their hearing ability in certain social settings while still enjoying the many benefits of a connected wireless earbud.
Jabra conducted in-depth research and learned that people wanted a simplified hearing aid that is a lower-cost and accessible alternative to hearing instruments, with hearing support being just one of many benefits. With this understanding, they developed the Jabra Enhance Plus, which is a set of miniature earbuds engineered for hearing enhancement, music, and calls.
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
- 10 hours battery and up to 30 hours battery rechargeability when 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)
But the biggest difference between the Jabra Enhance Plus and some of the other readily available devices that are aggressively advertising is that Jabra ensures you make the right choice for your hearing by encouraging you to visit an experienced hearing care professional.
The reason that this is an essential part of the process is that they understand that the most important step in addressing any form of hearing challenge is that you first need to have a hearing assessment, in the same way, that a complete eye exam would be your preferred option before determining your prescription for eye glasses.
With many other devices that only require self-diagnosing of your hearing loss through an app and programming your own devices, there are many risks, and as professionals, we would advise away from any solution that is selling you a product before understanding your own unique circumstances.
Attempting to self-diagnose is risky business, and there are many scenarios where self-diagnosis has resulted in significant long-term damage being caused.
We test many ears per week, and we often meet people that believe that they have a hearing challenge that either don’t, or the cause is something other than hearing loss, such as a buildup of earwax or a more complicated medical concern.
Who Has The Enhance Plus Been Created For Specifically?
In my opinion, the answer to this question is the 18 million of us who have an untreated hearing loss but are not quite ready for hearing aids, including people of all ages (except children).
Based on Jabra’s research, they learned that a large majority of people wanted a lower-cost and accessible alternative to hearing instruments, with hearing support being just one of many benefits.
Of course, there are other factors that Jabra has considered, including the real concerns people have about the appearance of hearing aids, which is why this new product has been built around this research with hearing support, music, and phone calls all seamlessly working through a stylish earphone-like earbud instead of a hearing aid design.
The outcome of this is that these devices are mainly for people that:
- Acknowledge a hearing loss but are looking for support in certain situations only
- Want a “miniature” discreet but visible product in non-traditional form factor
- Don’t want a traditional hearing aid but do want the comfort of medical technology & backup support
- Want a multi-functional and easy-to-use affordable device
- Would like others to believe they’re wearing an earphone when in reality, it’s helping them to hear
We are hopeful that these devices and others like this will start to normalize the treatment of hearing loss and give confidence to more people so that they don’t have to struggle as much as they do now.
In my opinion, this product would be great for people in Abilene who want to:
- Enjoy the sound of nature on hikes and walks
- Listen to presenters at meetings and conferences
- Try to 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 them call their name when it’s ready)
- Engage in video conferences and Zoom meetings
- And much more
They’re aimed at assisting in certain situations, not being a long-term hearing loss solution – being ideal for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss that just need a helping hand, as well as a stylish earbud that offers additional capabilities.
How Much Does The Jabra Enhance Plus Cost?
At this time, it’s unknown as there’s been no announced cost. The general expectation is that these will be priced slightly more than premium headphones and slightly less than entry-level hearing aids.
Based on this, we’re predicting around $1000. But at this stage, it’s all speculation.
Want To Know My Professional Opinion?
It’s always in your best interest to get your hearing tested by an Audiologist.
Your hearing health is not something that should be taken lightly, but if you’re mentally not yet ready to take the plunge into comprehensive treatment, this may be an option that offers temporary assistance in certain “harder to hear” situations.
We understand there are many reasons people don’t address their hearing issues right away, I think this may be an option to get one started, but again, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is always going to be my suggestion before trying anything.
Would You Like To See The Jabra Enhance Plus And Try It Out For Yourself?
With so much change and so many different options available, it’s natural that you may have a question. That’s why our team is here to help and offer you guidance to ensure that you or a loved one makes the right decision.
Technology is always changing, and we make sure to keep up with the times and provide the most up to date information about the products in our industry. If you’d like to read my most recent thoughts about the Jabra Enhance Plus, please click here – we’d love to hear what you think, too!
If you are interested in the Jabra Enhance Plus, then the first thing you should do is visit a hearing healthcare professional to check your candidacy.
To request a callback, please click here. Alternatively, you can call us at (325) 437-4730 to ask any questions about the Jabra Enhance Plus or any other hearing health concerns you or your loved ones may have.
