Effective October 1, 2024, Jabra has discontinued their Jabra Enhance Plus over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, and the model will no longer be available for purchase, according to an announcement from ReSound.
Citing risks of competition and the “premium” over-the-counter hearing aid market not performing as they wished, Jabra Enhance announced its parting from the consumer earbuds market in June 2024, including Jabra Enhance Plus in the departure.
First launched in February 2022, Jabra Enhance Plus was one of the first over-the-counter hearing aids available after FDA authorization, offered for $799 per pair of aids.
The devices offered some impressive features, including feedback suppression, noise reduction, speech amplification, and directional microphones, as well as Bluetooth compatibility for streaming for Apple smartphones.
Without these OTC models available for your purchase, what are your options when it comes to hearing aids and hearing care?
There are still multiple Jabra Enhance models available for purchase from their store, as they continue to manufacture and offer different OTC hearing aid models, including the Select 500, 300, and 50R, and their Jabra Enhance Pro line.
And don’t worry—for those who purchased Jabra Enhance Plus devices prior to October 1, the two-year warranty will still be upheld for two years past that date.
But if you’re looking for something a little more personalized, a lot more advanced, and offered with professional care and guidance, perhaps a prescription hearing aid device from an audiologist is your next step forward on your hearing health journey.
Prescription Care vs. OTC Devices
The biggest difference between OTC hearing aids and those offered by an audiologist is the level of care that you receive.
OTC devices are typically equated to “readers” eyeglasses that you buy from the grocery store: preprogrammed to provide help in some situations, but not all.
Prescription hearing aids, provided by an audiology clinic, are a little more intricate.
After an in-clinic comprehensive hearing assessment, your audiologist will provide professional recommendations for the best devices to fit your specific needs, from your hearing loss assessment results to your lifestyle choices and budget requirements.
Your hearing aids will be fitted by your audiologist and programmed to your prescription needs, and you can rely on our expert care for follow-up appointments, maintenance, repairs, and more.
If you’ve been in need of an upgrade or you’re looking to invest in top-tier hearing care that puts your best interests first, you’re in the right place.
Start Your Hearing Health Journey With West Coast Hearing & Balance
Our team of experts is ready and willing to provide you with professional hearing care that treats you like a person, not just a patient!
If you’d like to explore improving your hearing healthcare or talk to a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or find your closest location to call us over the phone.
