Should You Try OTC Hearing Aids? Start with a Quick Ear Disease Risk Check
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
If you're thinking about over the counter (OTC) hearing aids, there's a simple, expert-recommended first step: the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment (CEDRA).
What Is the CEDRA?
This short questionnaire helps you check for signs of an underlying ear disease or medical issue before trying OTC hearing aids.
Taking the CEDRA can help you decide:
✅ Is it likely safe to try OTC hearing aids on my own?
🚩 Or should I see an audiologist or physician first for a full hearing evaluation?
Why Check for Ear Disease First?
Some signs of hearing loss are actually symptoms of medical conditions like:
Ear infections or fluid in the ear
Greater hearing loss in one ear
Ringing or buzzing in one ear (unilateral tinnitus)
Dizziness or balance problems
Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing
These can indicate conditions that require medical treatment—not just amplification.
How to Take the CEDRA Questionnaire
The CEDRA is:
📋 9 easy yes-or-no questions
⏱ Takes less than 5 minutes
📄 Based on peer-reviewed research
🧠 Designed for adults considering hearing help
You can take the official CEDRA at CEDRA online
After completing it, you’ll know whether it’s likely safe to move forward with OTC hearing aids—or if it’s best to consult with a licensed hearing care professional first.
Why CEDRA Matters for OTC Hearing Aids
OTC hearing aids are now available online and, in many stores, without a prescription. While they’re intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, they don’t include a hearing test or medical screening.
That’s why CEDRA is so important: it gives you a quick, reliable way to screen for red flags before you spend money on a device that might not help—or could delay proper care.
When to Talk to an Audiologist
If your CEDRA results suggest a possible medical concern, or if you’re not sure what kind of hearing help is right for you, don’t guess.
At Hear & There Audiology, we’re here to help you understand your options—whether that’s OTC, prescription hearing aids, or something else entirely.
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