Last Updated on August 12, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Phonak Audeo Sphere hearing aids are among the most advanced devices on the market, offering superior speech clarity and smart connectivity. But owning high-end technology is only part of the equation—knowing how to use it correctly makes all the difference.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you unlock the full potential of your Phonak Audeo Sphere, with a focus on a critical feature: Spheric Speech in Loud Noise.
Step 1: Ask Your Audiologist to Enable the “Spheric Speech in Loud Noise” Program
Out of the box, your Phonak Audeo Sphere may not have access to one of its most powerful tools—Spheric Speech in Loud Noise. This program uses multi-microphone beamforming to enhance speech clarity in challenging, noisy environments.
🛑 Important: This feature must be activated by your audiologist. It doesn’t come pre-enabled.
- It helps you focus on speech from a single direction (usually the person in front of you).
- It’s highly effective in environments like restaurants, meetings, and social gatherings.
- It can improve speech understanding when background noise becomes overwhelming.
🗣️ Ask your audiologist to activate this program during your next fitting session. Once it’s enabled, you can switch to it anytime you need enhanced speech clarity.
Step 2: Learn How to Switch Programs Manually
Option 1: Use the Push Button on Your Hearing Aids
- Press the push button on your Phonak Audeo Sphere.
- Each press will cycle through available programs.
- Your audiologist may customize the order of these programs to make switching easier.
Option 2: Use the myPhonak App
- Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Pair your hearing aids via Bluetooth via the MyPhonak app.
- Open the app and tap “Programs.”
- Select “Speech in Loud Noise” or the custom name your audiologist assigned.
🎯 Pro Tip: The app shows the current program clearly, so you never have to guess which mode you’re using.
Step 3: Use the Spheric in Loud Noise Program Strategically
When to Use It
- During conversations in noisy restaurants or public places.
- In meetings where multiple people are talking simultaneously.
- At events with background music or crowd chatter.
When to Avoid It
- In quiet environments.
- For general use like walking, watching TV, or phone calls.
🕒 Rule of Thumb: Use it only when background noise is negatively impacting your understanding.
Understanding Automatic Activation of the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise Program
While the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program can be manually selected, some models of the Phonak Audeo Sphere are capable of activating this mode automatically based on environmental sound levels.
However, this automatic trigger is highly dependent on the noise floor—the overall volume of background noise detected by the hearing aids. By default, this feature only activates when the surrounding noise reaches a very high level, typically above 75 dB SPL. That’s equivalent to the noise level of a busy street or a loud restaurant.
🧠 Clinical Insight: In my experience as an audiologist reviewing datalogging reports from hundreds of patients, this program is triggered automatically in only 1–2% of total hearing aid use time for most individuals.
This means that unless you’re frequently in environments with extreme background noise, you may not be benefiting from this powerful feature at all—unless you switch to it manually.
🎯 Takeaway: Learning how to manually activate the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program can greatly enhance your ability to hear clearly in challenging environments. Relying solely on automatic switching could mean missing out on one of the most powerful features of your Phonak Audeo Sphere.
Step 4: Monitor Battery Usage and Recharge Schedule
One trade-off with using the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program is increased battery consumption. The advanced processing and microphone directionality demand more power.
Battery Life Breakdown
| Usage Duration (Daily) | Expected Battery Performance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 hours | Full-day use possible | No need to recharge early |
| 3–6 hours | Likely early battery drop | Monitor mid-day and recharge if needed |
| 6+ hours | High battery drain | Consider shorter sessions or recharge mid-day |
🔌 Recharge during your midday break, especially if you plan to attend a noisy event in the evening.
Step 5: Customize the Program Settings via the App
The myPhonak app allows you to tweak and personalize how the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program behaves.
Adjustable Settings
- Volume
- Noise reduction level
- Microphone directionality
- Speech focus enhancement
💡 Tip: Save different program versions for different settings (e.g., one for restaurants, another for outdoor events).
Step 6: Practice Switching Between Modes
Like any skill, mastering your Phonak Audeo Sphere requires practice. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed by background noise to start experimenting.
Practice Routine
- Go to a mildly noisy environment (like a coffee shop).
- Try switching to the Speech in Loud Noise program.
- Note how the sound shifts, and practice toggling back.
- Observe the battery indicator in the app after 1–2 hours.
Step 7: Schedule Routine Checkups with Your Audiologist
Your needs may change—and so should your settings. The Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program can be adjusted or fine-tuned based on real-world feedback.
👂 Request your audiologist to:
- Update program placement in the cycle order.
- Adjust microphone directionality strength.
- Optimize volume defaults for noise-heavy environments.
Routine adjustments can extend your battery life and boost overall performance.
Conclusion
Phonak Audeo Sphere hearing aids offer powerful features—but only if you know how to use them. By enabling and mastering the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program, you’ll significantly improve your speech understanding in noisy environments.
Remember:
With a little knowledge and the right approach, you’ll get the most out of your Phonak Audeo Sphere—in every setting life throws your way.