In August of this year, Lucid Hearing added a new set of earbud-style hearing aids to their product lineup: Tala. With an attractive design and ample features for personalized sound, Tala aims to deliver an accessible hearing solution for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The new Tala devices are currently offered at $1299/pair.
Tala Hearing Aids: Closer Look
Straight out of the box, the Tala earbuds make a strong first impression with their sleek, compact shape and smooth matte white finish. The earbuds have a lightweight, ergonomic design reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods, but in a slightly smaller package.
Each earbud contains built-in microphones and receivers, with only a short section extending into the ear canal. This makes Tala quite comfortable for all-day wear. The included silicone eartips contour naturally to the unique shape of the ear and stay put securely. From a discreetness standpoint, Tala aren’t completely invisible, but their low profile helps them blend in like wireless earbuds.
Left: Assortment of eartips are included to fit a wide range of ears. Right: Tala shown in ear for reference
Included in the box:
- 1 pair of Tala hearing aids
- Rechargeable Case
- Cable for charging case
- Cleaning tool
- Assorted Ear Tips for comfort fit
- 10 wax stops
- 1 year warranty
- User manual
Sound and Connectivity
Connecting Tala to an iPhone was very simple and straightforward. The earbuds leverage Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless functionality, providing stable streaming for music, calls and using the Lucid Hearing smartphone app. Streaming quality is quite good, with clear audio and customizable EQ options through the app.
The app also enables easy switching between different listening modes tuned for varying degrees of hearing loss.
Additionally, the app facilitates seamless transitions between different listening modes tailored to various hearing loss levels. A standout Lucid feature, LucidShape, empowers users to deeply customize their sound experience, allowing precise adjustments of gain levels across nine frequency points to cater Tala to individual hearing preferences, offering a impressive level of personalization for over-the-counter hearing aids.
Tala’s operation is seamless, thanks to built-in motion sensors that detect when the earbuds are inserted or removed from your ears, automatically powering them on and pausing streaming when taken out. However, it’s important to note that there are no on-board controls directly on the earbuds. Instead, you’ll need to use your smartphone to adjust the volume, switch modes, access LucidShape, and perform other functions.
How big? Lucid Tala (middle) compared to Starkey IIC (left) and ReSound 312 RIC (right)
The microphone performs well in quieter environments, capturing soft voices or TV audio effectively. However, it faces challenges in noisy surroundings when compared to prescription hearing aids, despite some noise reduction capabilities. On the positive side, the built-in directional focus feature helps enhance speech coming from the front.
Battery life is better than many OTC devices at 16 hours of use per charge, or 12 around hours with heavy audio streaming use. The charging case provides 3 additional full charges for over a week of use between plug-ins. It’s simple to recharge by placing Tala in the case’s designated magnetic slots. LEDs indicate charging status on both the case and earbuds.
In terms of sound quality, Tala emphasizes speech audibility in the mid-to-high frequencies where consonants occur. Combined with the personalization of LucidShape, this makes voices very clear and understandable in one-on-one chats or quiet settings. Music and media also benefit. The four preset programs cover varying degrees of hearing loss.
When it comes to negatives, Tala’s lack of onboard controls is disappointing. You must toggle through modes, adjust volume, access features etc. only through the app. This makes quick adjustments harder than earbuds with onboard buttons. Also Tala’s Apple Watch app is very limited, only showing battery levels.
Summary
The new Lucid Tala offers an attractive solution for those who prefer discreet, earbud-style hearing aids with seamless smartphone integration. However, it’s worth mentioning that Tala’s reliance on app-based controls, requiring users to navigate modes, adjust volume, and access features through the app, may be less convenient than earbuds with physical buttons.
Priced at $1299, Tala falls within the higher price range for OTC options but provides premium features like LucidShape personalization and excellent wireless streaming.
In summary, Lucid Tala excels in comfort, compact design, customization options, streaming quality, and battery life. For further details, you can visit the Lucid Hearing website.
