Last Updated on August 12, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Official guidance: Have your audiologist add a manual program for Spheric Speech in Loud Noise. Once enabled, you can select it in the app, use the hearing aid’s push button (short press = volume; 1–2 second press = change program; 5-second press = power off), or both.
If you wear Phonak Infinio Sphere 90 hearing aids, you can cycle through programs with the rocker switch—yet it’s not always obvious which program you’re on. Below, I’ll show you how to add and use the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program, how to confirm your selection in the app, and a simple tone chart so you can memorize your program order quickly.
New to hearing aids? Start with our complete guide to hearing aids and learn what an audiologist does. Curious why most people choose receiver-in-canal? See the most common hearing aid style.
The Reader’s Question
I have Sphere 90s and I realize you can cycle through the hearing programs using the rocker switch on the hearing aid. My question is how do you know what program you are in? Opening the app to check doesn’t make sense since you can pick the program directly from there. Do you have to memorize the program and its associated number of tones?
Official Answer (From an Audiologist)
You’ll need your audiologist to add a manual program for Spheric Speech in Loud Noise. Once it’s enabled, you can select it in the myPhonak app or by using the push button on your hearing aids. Here’s how the button works:
- Quick tap and release: Volume up/down
- Press and hold 1–2 seconds: Cycle to the next program
- Press and hold ~5 seconds: Power off the hearing aid
Pro tip: Ask your audiologist to place Spheric Speech in Loud Noise as Program 2 (right after Automatic). That way, it’s one long press away from your default.
Automatic Handles Most Situations—Manual Is for Special Cases
Phonak’s automatic system typically manages 90–99% of everyday listening without intervention. Still, there are times—like restaurants, crowds, or busy family gatherings—when a dedicated manual program such as Spheric Speech in Loud Noise gives you extra control and clarity in background noise.
For more recommendations by use-case, visit our Best Hearing Aids in 2025 roundup.
Know Your Program Order (It’s Fixed Until Your Audiologist Changes It)
Manual programs appear in the order your audiologist sets in the fitting software. The hearing aid won’t announce program names—just tone counts—so memorizing the order is key. Here’s a common setup:
- Automatic (default)
- Spheric Speech in Loud Noise (recommended to place here)
- Music (optional)
- Custom Program such as Quiet or Comfort (optional)
Sphere 90 Program Tone Chart
Use the pattern below to match tones to your current program. (Your tones will reflect your own program order if it’s customized.)
| Program # | Program Name | Tone Pattern | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automatic | 1 short tone | Everyday listening; adapts automatically |
| 2 | Spheric Speech in Loud Noise | 2 short tones | Restaurants, parties, crowds—max speech focus |
| 3 | Music (if added) | 3 short tones | Live or recorded music |
| 4 | Custom (if added) | 4 short tones | Quiet, lecture, or personalized environments |
Note: Power cycling the hearing aids typically returns you to Automatic.
Using the myPhonak App (Optional but Handy)
The app always shows your current program and lets you jump directly to a specific one without cycling. If you experience phone-or car-audio conflicts, disconnecting the app while driving often resolves the problem.
If you’re new to manual programs, review our guide to pairing hearing aids with daily accessories (glasses, masks, helmets) so you can comfortably use the push buttons whenever you need them.
When to See Your Audiologist
- You want Spheric Speech in Loud Noise added or moved to Program #2
- Push button doesn’t change programs with a long press
- You need a dedicated setup for car, office, worship services, or music
- You’re unsure which programs you actually have
Your audiologist can enable the program, set the order, and confirm your tone patterns. If you’re weighing styles, our data on popularity can help: VA hearing aid brand popularity.
FAQ
Do I have to use the app to change programs?
No. Once your audiologist enables manual programs, you can change them with the hearing aid button: 1–2 second press to cycle programs; quick tap for volume.
How do I know which program I’m in without the app?
Memorize your program order and match it to the tone count (see the tone chart above). Your audiologist can print or text you your list.
Can the order of programs be customized?
Yes. Ask your audiologist to set Spheric Speech in Loud Noise as Program 2 so it’s one long press away from Automatic.
What do the different button presses do?
Quick tap: volume; 1–2 second press: next program; ~5 second press: power off.
Automatic works great for me—do I still need manual programs?
Not necessarily. Many users do fine with Automatic alone. Manual programs