OTC Hearing Aids
What Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, Really?
Since the FDA opened the OTC category in 2022, you can buy over-the-counter hearing aids in Burbank, CA off the shelf without an exam, prescription, or fitting. They're designed for adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and typically retail between $200 and $1,500 a pair. Sound Advice doesn't sell OTC devices — but Dr. Beverly Lew, Au.D. will tell you honestly whether they're worth trying for your hearing loss, or whether a prescription pair will serve you better.
Already Bought an OTC Pair? We Can Still Help
If you've already invested in an OTC pair and they aren't working the way you hoped, bring them in. Sound Advice offers OTC hearing aid help in Burbank — a hearing test to see what you're actually amplifying, hands-on guidance with the device's app, and a frank look at whether OTC vs prescription hearing aids make more sense for your hearing loss. No judgment, no upsell — just clear answers from a Doctor of Audiology with more than 30 years of experience.
60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on Every Pair
Every prescription hearing aid fitted at Sound Advice is backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Wear them at work, at restaurants, in the studio, and at home — if they aren't the right fit after 60 days, bring them back and we'll exchange them for a different model. Real life is the only test that counts.
Hear From Our Patients
What real Burbank patients — musicians, parents, seniors, and Veterans — say about hearing better with Sound Advice.
Find Out What You've Been Missing — Book a Visit.
35 years of honest answers, Dr. Beverly Lew at every visit, and no pressure to buy — just clearer hearing.
Serving Los Angeles, North Hollywood & Burbank
Visit Us in Burbank
Sound Advice is on the first floor of the University of La Verne building in the Burbank media district — wheelchair accessible. Call or request an appointment online.
- Rated 4.9/5 from 158+ Google reviews
- Women-owned practice, est. 1991
- Doctor of Audiology — 30+ years exp
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Wheelchair accessible, on-site parking
“Dr. Lew and her team are exceptional. From the front desk to the testing booth, everyone takes the time to explain what's happening and answer every question. My hearing aids were fitted carefully, and the follow-up visits made all the difference. Honest, thorough, and genuinely caring care.”— Sound Advice patient
Sound Advice
Burbank4001 W Alameda Ave #101, Burbank, CA 91505
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
OTC Hearing Aid FAQs
Common questions about over-the-counter hearing aids in Burbank, CA — who they suit, where they fall short, and how Sound Advice can fit or upgrade your OTC pair.
The FDA wrote the OTC rule for one specific group: adults 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss who are comfortable self-fitting a device and using a smartphone app. OTC hearing aids in Burbank are not intended for children, severe or profound hearing loss, sudden or one-sided hearing loss, hearing loss with pain or drainage, or hearing changes following head trauma. Anyone in those categories needs a medical evaluation first. If you're not sure which group you fall into, the safest first step is a hearing test — Dr. Lew can tell you in one visit whether hearing aids without prescription are appropriate for your specific loss.
For the right person — yes. Independent studies have shown that the best OTC hearing aids can deliver meaningful benefit to adults with genuinely mild-to-moderate hearing loss who are willing to tune the device through its app and accept the trade-offs. The honest limits: there's no professional fit, no real-ear measurement to confirm sound is reaching your eardrum correctly, no impression-molded earpiece, and no in-person tuning when something doesn't feel right. If you've tried OTC and feel like you're "hearing louder" but not "hearing better," that gap is usually what a professional fitting fixes.
Three big differences. Eligibility: OTC is FDA-limited to perceived mild-to-moderate loss in adults; prescription aids cover every degree of hearing loss and every age, including kids. Fitting: OTC is self-fit through an app; prescription is fit by an audiologist after a hearing exam, programmed to your audiogram, and verified with real-ear measurement. Ongoing care: OTC comes with manufacturer phone/chat support; prescription includes follow-up adjustments, cleanings, repairs, and reprogramming as your hearing changes. Affordable hearing aids in Burbank can come from either category — and Sound Advice will help you compare honestly without any pressure to upgrade.
Yes. Sound Advice offers an OTC hearing aid adjustment in Burbank as a paid in-office service. The visit usually includes a full hearing evaluation, hands-on app and pairing setup, fit and seal checks for your existing tips or domes, and a candid conversation about whether your current OTC pair is the best long-term fit. If a prescription device would serve you better, we'll explain why — and credit the visit toward a future fitting if you decide to move forward. To schedule, call 818-841-0066.