Image search with “Add Media” has slowed down dramatically

I think this is new within the last release or two. Searching for images is VERY slow when using an “add media” feature (either native WordPress or a plugin like Beaver Builder.)

On a site with roughly 800 images, using search in an add-media context was taking 10 or more seconds. When I disabled Media Library Assistant search results return in less than a second. I’ve tested this on several client sites with the same results. It’s true using search with the Classic Editor’s “add media” button or a Beaver Builder photo/gallery module.

I’ve used MLA for years and love it. I get that it adds more fields to search, and that more fields = heavier queries on the database. But this seems like a pretty dramatic slowdown.