Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Question from a Reader:
My name is Michael R., and my wife and I bought Phonak hearing aids at the same time—on July 31, 2014. Hers are different than mine. As we recall, the doctor set hers up so that she could not adjust the volume. I’m wondering if there’s any way to change that without visiting a doctor.
Both of her hearing aids are the same model. The left one is working well, but she hasn’t been able to hear anything in her right ear for quite some time, and we know she has a condition in that ear that is deteriorating. I’ve noticed that newer hearing aids can connect to smartphone apps for user control. Since hers were programmed using a computer, I’m wondering if they could work with an app now.
I realize her hearing aids are quite old, but if we could get the right one working and add volume control, that would be awesome! I was very happy to find your website because everything else I found online only talked about newer models.
Answer from Jonathan Javid, Au.D.:
Hi Michael, thank you for your thoughtful question, and congratulations to you and your wife for keeping those Phonak hearing aids going strong for 11 years—that’s quite impressive! Most hearing aids typically last around 5 to 7 years, so you’ve definitely gotten excellent use from them.
Regarding your wife’s devices, the 2014 Phonak models unfortunately do not have compatibility with smartphone apps for volume adjustment. At the time they were manufactured, remote controls were an option for changing volume and settings, but those accessories are no longer sold or widely supported.
The only way to enable volume control now would be to visit an audiologist. If the hearing aids have physical push buttons, an audiologist can reprogram them to allow volume changes through those buttons. This process requires access to the original fitting software and cannot be done at home.
I understand the hesitation about scheduling an appointment, but if the left aid is still working well, and the right one can be revived or at least adjusted for any residual hearing, it may be worth the visit. Also, newer hearing aids offer much more flexibility, connectivity, and support—so when the time comes to upgrade, your wife will have more control and comfort than ever before.
Thank you again for your kind words about Hearing Insider. I’m always happy to help where I can!
Warm regards,
Jonathan Javid, Au.D.
info@hearinginsider.com
Have a Question About Hearing Aids or Hearing Loss?
If you have a question about hearing aids, hearing loss, or hearing care in general, I invite you to reach out! I do my best to answer reader-submitted questions like the one in this post.
While I can’t offer personalized medical advice or recommend specific audiologists, I’m happy to provide general guidance and information based on my professional experience. Your question might even be featured in a future article to help others in a similar situation.
You can email your question to info@hearinginsider.com, and I’ll reply if I’m able to help.
Thank you for being part of the Hearing Insider community!
– Jonathan Javid, Au.D.