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Lucid Hearing Tala vs. Phonak Virto Infinio

Check out our comparison of the Lucid Hearing Tala vs Phonak Virto Infinio. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
4.0
Lucid Hearing Tala
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Lucid Hearing

Tala

SoundScore 4.6/5
$1,299.99 per pair
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Phonak Virto Infinio Titanium I90
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Phonak

Virto Infinio Titanium I90

$4,598 per pair
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Tala
$1,299.99 per pair
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Virto Infinio
$4,598 per pair
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Product Overview

Tala
Virto Infinio
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Form FactorThis type of custom-fitted hearing aid is mostly hidden inside the ear. In people with smaller ear canals this type of hearing aid may not be possible. This type of aid is often fitted without directional microphones or telecoils.
Expert Rating
Score
4.0
N/A
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidIP22
Telecoil

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Tala
Virto Infinio

HearingTracker Score

Tala
4.0ABOVE AVERAGE

While it features customizable sound settings through the Lucid Hearing app and boasts a 16-hour battery life, it lacks ear-level controls and has subpar Bluetooth audio quality, making it a mixed bag for users.

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Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Tala
4.6EXCELLENT

Lucid Tala achieved a SoundScore of 4.64/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Build Quality

Tala
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

Tala is an impressive OTC hearing aid though it does not seem to have the best build quality. I found the plastic casing of Tala and the charging case

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Battery

Tala
3.1BELOW AVERAGE

Tala hearing aids packs some impressive features, but the build quality isn't great. Both the hearing aids and portable charger appear to be made of thin plastic, which aligns with its lower ingress rating of IP22.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Bluetooth

Tala
5.0EXCELLENT

I was pleased to learn that Tala offer audio streaming and hands-free calls for both iOS and Android, but make sure you purchase the right version as they are mobile OS specific. While the audio quality is not great, it is still a great feature to have.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

App Features

Tala
3.8BELOW AVERAGE

Lucid's app offers many useful features, like the 7-band equalizer LucidShape, and recently received an update improving the overall appearance. You will definitely want to use the app to get the most out of Tala hearing aids.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Comfort

Tala
4.0AVERAGE

I found Tala lightweight and had no issues with them fitting and staying in my ears. They are not as occluding as some other earbud-like hearing aids so I felt less plugged, though this can hurt audio performance in various ways.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Design

Tala
3.9BELOW AVERAGE

Tala hearing aids have an interesting earbud-like design that stands out, but it is not the most modern-looking option available. Its bright white color also makes it very noticeable in ear which can be good or bad depending on your preferences.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Value

Tala
3.7AVERAGE

Lucid Tala has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Handling

Tala
5.0EXCELLENT

Tala are easy to use, but they lack physical buttons, so you'll need to use the app for adjustments. The included case also works well, but be careful to place the left and right hearing aids in the correct charging slots.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Pro Support

Tala
2.0BELOW AVERAGE

Lucid is a step above some other OTC companies as they offer lifetime support from licensed professionals. This is not the same as in person can but it is a great addition even for those familiar with hearing aids.

Virto Infinio

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Tala
Virto Infinio
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
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Tala
Virto Infinio

Lab recordings not yet available

Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
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Tala
Virto Infinio

Lab recordings not yet available

Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
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Tala
Virto Infinio

Lab recordings not yet available

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Tala
Virto Infinio
Remote Control
None

MiniControl

Hardware

Tala
Virto Infinio
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Auracast™ Ready
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
No
10
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP22
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
No
  • Voice assistant
  • Accept/end calls
  • Pause/Resume
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantCertain devices will allow you to interact with voice assistants using "Hey Siri", "Hey Google", "Hey Alexa", etc commands.
No
  • Siri
  • Google

Software Features

Tala
Virto Infinio
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
20
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
QuickSyncQuickSyncOne touch on the program selection button or volume control results in instant identical change in the other instrument.
Audio Stream MixerAudio Stream MixerAllows the user to adjust the volume of the audio stream relative to the microphone input using the push button or volume control on the hearing aid unit.
No
Environmental BalanceEnvironmental BalanceEnvironmental balance is a volume modification capability in Phonak Audéo B-Direct hearing aids that allows clients to adjust the volume of the streamed signal versus the surrounding environmental sounds by the press of the volume control.
Automatic Phone ProgramAutomatic Phone ProgramHearing aids with this feature can detect when a phone is placed near them and automatically switch to a phone program. In this setting, the hearing aids will reduce background noise and increase the volume of the phone.
No
EasyPhoneEasyPhoneAutomatically selects your telephone program when the telephone handset is held close to your ear
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Precision Directional Listening System (PDL™)Precision Directional Listening System (PDL™)With Tala, the directional microphones focus on what’s in front of you, effectively reducing background noise and enhancing speech intelligibility.
SpeechSensorSpeechSensorWith SpeechSensor, clients are enabled to hear from back and the sides. This automatic feature detects the main speech source and adjusts its microphone modes to ensure the client has more access to t speech from side and back.StereoZoom 2.0StereoZoom 2.0Improves signal-to-noise ration in background by focusing a narrow microphone beam.UltraZoomUltraZoomDirectional microphone technology is a proven method of effectively improving speech intelligibility in background noise. UltraZoom is the adaptive multi-channel beamforming technology, automatically available in AutoSense OS or in a manual program.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
AutoSense OS: 6.0AutoSense OSHearing aids with AutoSense OS recognize and automatically adapt to more of your client’s listening situations than ever before. AutoSense OS accurately captures and analyzes the sound environment, then precisely blends feature elements from multiple programs in real time to provide a seamless listening experience.
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
No
WhistleBlockWhistleBlockWhistleBlock differentiates between naturally occurring feedback-like sounds and true feedback. This means increased audibility and sound quality that is free from annoying feedback.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
SoundRecover2SoundRecover2The new SoundRecover2 algorithm aims to restore the audibility of relevant high frequency sounds while leaving intact the low frequency structures important for good sound quality. The new frequency lowering scheme retains the essence of the original SoundRecover, utilizes an adaptive algorithm and an additional cut-off frequency in order to successfully extend these benefits to those with more extreme severe-to-profound hearing loss.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
4
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
auto Acclimatizationauto Acclimatizationauto Acclimatization is used to automatically increase the client's amplification, while the client is using the device.
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
No
NoiseBlockNoiseBlockHigh-resolution noise cancellation - NoiseBlock Processing is particularly effective at reducing uncomfortable environmental noises. It can recognize the subtle differences between speech and non-speech sounds, removing noise while maintaining audibility. more
Occlusion ReductionOcclusion ReductionWhen ears are plugged, or occluded, by hearing aids the low frequencies from one’s own voice are amplified and may be uncomfortable. This effect is typically reduced in hearing aids through venting or open-fit models. In some cases the perception of occlusion may also be reduced through software by adjusting the acoustic output of the hearing aid.
No
AOVAOVAcoustically Optimized Venting (AOV) reduces occlusion to the lowest level possible by optimizing the fitting calculation.
Phone in StereoPhone in StereoThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
No
DuoPhoneDuoPhoneWith DuoPhone, as soon as the phone is held to the ear the signal is heard in both ears. Background noise is reduced and clarity significantly improved.
Preference AdaptationPreference AdaptationIf a hearing aid user frequently adjusts the volume or program settings of their devices, some hearing aids will recognize when and where these changes are made and begin automatically making these changes in those settings.
No
User Preference TuningUser Preference TuningRemembers adjustments you make with FlexControl and FlexVolume and applies them automatically for a hearing aid more in tune with your preferences.
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
  • Tuned based on audio preference selections
  • Tuned by user directly
No
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
Dynamic Noise CancellationDynamic Noise CancellationAn automated spatial noise cancellation system that works in combination with a directional beam-former microphone system.
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
No
SoundRelaxSoundRelaxSoundRelax cushions otherwise unpleasant impulse sounds without affecting speech clarity or causing unnatural perception of other sounds.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Tinnitus BalanceTinnitus BalanceThe Tinnitus Balance noise generator generates a broadband sound for use in tinnitus management therapies.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Motion Sensor HearingMotion Sensor HearingA new ultra-low power accelerometer detects when you move and adjusts the hearing aid microphones and noise cancellation settings.Speech EnhancerSpeech EnhancerAmplifies the peaks of soft speech to provide clearer speech when you’re in a quiet environment.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No
WindBlockWindBlockWindBlock utilizes a wind identification and classification system. The powerful, adaptive algorithm automatically suppresses wind noise. It allows wearers to enjoy the outdoors without compromise.