Lucid Hearing Tala vs. Widex Allure

Check out our comparison of the Lucid Hearing Tala vs Widex Allure. 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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Score
4.3
Widex Allure RIC R D 440
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SoundScore 4.5/5
$4,398 per pair
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Tala
$1,299.99 per pair
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Allure
$4,398 per pair
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Product Overview

Tala
Allure
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
4.0
Score
4.3
User Rating
5.01 reviews
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
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Tala
Allure

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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Allure
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Widex Allure is the brand’s most refined take yet on natural sound, pairing its signature low-delay PureSound approach with stronger speech processing and an excellent HearAdvisor A SoundGrade that places it among the top tier of prescription hearing aids, though it’s currently limited in styles and still waiting on key firmware updates like Auracast.

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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.

Allure
4.5EXCELLENT

Widex Allure RIC 440 achieved a SoundScore of 4.52/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #7 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

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

Allure
4.9EXCELLENT

Widex Allure hearing aids have an impressive build quality, featuring a top-of-the-line IP68 ingress rating and a sturdy tabletop charging base.

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.

Allure
3.7AVERAGE

Moment Allure offer 25 hour all-day rechargeable battery life, with an impressive 7 hours of streaming. Recharging Allure will take around 4 hours and there is also a quick charge feature where 30 minutes of charge provides an additional 4 hours of power.

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.

Allure
5.0EXCELLENT

Widex Allure hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. While they do not currently offer Auracast, they are future ready with Bluetooth LE audio.

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.

Allure
4.0AVERAGE

The Widex Moment app is all around impressive with its modern, high-contrast appearance and comprehensive features, including sound customization options like a multi-band equalizer. The app also offers dedicated tinnitus features which can be optimized with your hearing care provider.

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.

Allure
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Sheer sRIC very comfortable due to their smaller size and ergonomic design. Your hearing care provider should help fit them with optimal comfort and hearing benefit.

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.

Allure
5.0EXCELLENT

Sheer sRIC have a modern design and are available in a range of colors from discrete to bold. Personally, I appreciate how Widex hearing aids have a smoother shape and a subtly textured feel.

Value

Tala
3.7AVERAGE

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

Allure
3.2BELOW AVERAGE

Widex Allure RIC 440 has a value score of 3.3/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

Allure
5.0EXCELLENT

I did not run into any issues while using Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids. They are very easy to use once setup by your hearing care provider. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.

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.

Allure
5.0EXCELLENT

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Telehealth, or remote care options, are also available though this requires some extra setup with a separate app and necklace dongle.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Tala
Allure
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Tala
Allure
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Tala
Allure
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Tala
Allure

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
Allure
Battery Charger
None

Charge n Clean+1

The new Charge n Clean charger offers a stylish design and combines charging with automatic UV-C sanitization and drying for added hygiene. It features LED indicators, a 4-hour full charge, 30-minute fast charge, and runs a maintenance cycle while charging. It eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria, yeast, and viruses and connects via USB-C.

Standard Charger

The new standard charger delivers hassle-free, reliable charging in a compact, stylish design. It features LED indicators, a 4-hour full charge, 30-minute fast charge, and convenient USB-C connectivity.

Remote Control
None

RC-DEX

RC-DEX allows you to adjust the volume and switch between programs without directly touching your hearing aids. It features three simple buttons and is small enough to fit on a keychain, making it convenient to carry and use. As you activate its functions, verbal or tone cues in your hearing aids confirm your selections, and an LED indicator on the remote lights up during operation.

Smartphone App
None

Allure App

The Widex Allure app is a powerful companion for Widex hearing aid users, designed to enhance accessibility, personalization, and control. With features like real-time sound adjustments, battery status, AI-powered assistants, and a customizable equalizer, users can fine-tune their hearing experience to match specific environments. The app also includes helpful guides, troubleshooting support, Apple Watch compatibility, and a "Find My Hearing Aids" function to locate misplaced devices. It supports audio streaming on both iOS and compatible Android devices and offers a seamless, intuitive interface for greater independence and confidence.

TV Streamer
None

TV PLAY 2

TV PLAY 2 streams audio wirelessly from your TV directly to your Widex hearing aids.

Hardware

Tala
Allure
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
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)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • 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
  • Accept/end calls
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
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

Tala
Allure
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
15
Dedicated Streaming CompressorDedicated Streaming CompressorImproved sound quality of streamed sound, made possible by a separate streaming compressor.
No
Yes
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.
High Definition Locator: 15High Definition LocatorAutomatic, adaptive, channel specific directionality to improve speech understanding in background noise
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
Digital PinnaDigital PinnaThe central auditory system uses input from both ears to form spatial judgment, such as spatial awareness, localization, distance estimation, etc. The use of independent fast-acting compression in each ear can disrupt the loudness and timing relationship of sounds between ears (IID and ITD cues). This may alter the spatial relationship of sounds and lead to poorer spatial performance. The use of algorithms, such as the digital pinna, are designed to preserve the front/back localization cues. Source: Hearing Review
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
Sound Classifier Categories: 11Sound Classifier CategoriesHearing aids will adapt automatically to different listening situations to support clarity, comfort, and audibility.
Extended Input Dynamic RangeExtended Input Dynamic RangeTechnology used to reduce peak clipping resulting from sound passing through analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
No
True-Input TechnologyTrue-Input TechnologyTrue Input technology solves increases the amount of sound you can hear through your hearing aid before clipping or distortion occurs.
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
Dynamic Feedback ControllerDynamic Feedback ControllerThe new Dynamic Feedback Controller adapts in real-time to manage feedback effectively while preserving the sound quality.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
5
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
Soft-level noise reductionSoft-level noise reductionProviding more gain for soft sounds (low compression thresholds) is good for amplifying soft speech but it can also mean soft unwanted sounds - such as the noise from fans, refrigerators, or even hearing aid microphone noises, are audible even when in quiet environments. The Soft Level Noise Reduction Algorithm differentiates unmodulated soft sounds from modulated soft sounds and reduces their amplification. This results in an enhanced sound quality for the user.
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
15
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
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
TruSound Softener: 4 Modes
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Allure PureSound™Allure PureSound™The Allure PureSound™ program enhances speech intelligibility in noise by 4.3dB for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, combining ZeroDelay technology with advanced processingSpeech Enhancer ProSpeech Enhancer ProA 52-band spectral analysis system that is designed to provide unparalleled granular control over speech and noiseTruAcoustics™TruAcoustics™TruAcoustics™ provides customized, tailor-made fitting possible for patients of all hearing losses.
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
Smartwind Manager: PremiumSmartwind ManagerKeeps speech and other important sounds audible while significantly reducing the wind annoyance.