TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive tutorial of the MyPhonak app, highlighting its features, customization options, and compatibility with Phonak hearing aids. It covers initial setup, Bluetooth pairing, app navigation, health data tracking, program customization, and usage with wireless accessories.
- Initial setup and pairing of Phonak hearing aids with the MyPhonak app.
- Customization of hearing aid programs and sound settings.
- Health data tracking features, including wear time and step counting.
- Compatibility and usage with Phonak wireless accessories like Roger On and PartnerMic.
Introduction to the MyPhonak App [0:00]
Doctor Cliff introduces the MyPhonak app, noting significant improvements and bug fixes since its initial launch. He states that the app is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and has a high rating in the Google Play Store. The tutorial will be demonstrated using a Samsung Galaxy S25, but the process is identical for iPhones.
Downloading and Initial Setup [0:47]
To begin, download the MyPhonak app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After installation, open the app and allow the necessary permissions and notifications. Users can choose whether to share usage data to help improve the app. If you live in the United States, you need to read through the FDA information and identify that you have read and understood this information.
Pairing Hearing Aids with the App [1:21]
The app will prompt you to pair your hearing aids. Reboot the hearing aids by placing them in the charger and then removing them, or by holding the bottom button for five seconds until a red light flashes, then holding it again to reboot. This puts the hearing aids into pairing mode. Click "Pair device" in the app and allow any necessary permissions. The app will search for the hearing aids, which should appear on the screen. Tap each hearing aid to pair, and confirm the pairing requests. It's recommended to have your hearing care professional add your initials to the hearing aid name to ensure you are pairing with the correct devices, especially in households with multiple Phonak devices.
Bluetooth Settings and Streaming Setup [3:48]
To enable audio streaming, go to the phone's Bluetooth settings. The hearing aids should be paired via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for app connectivity. However, streaming requires a Bluetooth Classic connection with the main hearing aid. Reboot the designated main hearing aid (in this case, the right one) to put it into pairing mode. Scan for available devices in the Bluetooth settings and select the "RCO Phonak Hearing aid" when it appears. Pair the device to enable streaming. There should be three pairings in the Bluetooth screen: the RCO Phonak hearing aid for streaming, and the LER and LEL versions for app connectivity.
Navigating the Home Screen [5:52]
The home screen displays battery life for each hearing aid at the top. Below, the "Hearing aid program" section shows the current program, such as the automatic AutoSense OS, which has six subset programs. Tapping the dropdown reveals other available programs, including manual options like Sphere speech and loud noise, and Speech in Car. Users can switch between programs by tapping their preference. The app also includes preset programs like restaurant, music, and TV, which are derived from the automatic program settings but cannot be customized further.
Customizing Programs and Sound Settings [8:34]
The "adjust" button allows customization of the selected program. The automatic program shifts between different programs based on the environment. The current program is displayed at the top of the screen (e.g., "adjust calm situation automatic"). Users can select equalizer presets like default, comfort, clarity, speech, or surrounding. These presets adjust a three-band equalizer, which can be further customized manually. Adjust one of the low, mid, or high adjustment bands to the max into the minimum and see what that actually does to your hearing. Volume can be adjusted, and noise reduction can be set to high (more noise reduction) or low (less noise reduction). Speech focus can be narrowed to isolate a speaker or widened to pick up speech from multiple directions. Dynamic adjustments allow increasing soft sounds or decreasing loud sounds. Customized settings can be saved as new programs with custom names.
Volume and Mute Controls [14:49]
The home screen includes a volume adjustment slider, where each step represents a two-decibel change. The volume can be adjusted independently for the left and right hearing aids. A mute button is also available to silence the hearing aids.
Health Data Tracking [16:46]
The "health" section allows users to track wear time and steps. Users must sign up for an account to enable this feature. The app can estimate calories burned based on height, weight, and activity data. Goals can be set for wear time and daily steps. The app tracks wear time in different listening environments and during streaming.
Device Settings and Customization [20:05]
The "devices" tab displays paired hearing aids and battery life. It lists all available programs, including those set up by the hearing care professional and custom programs. Default programs like restaurant, music, and TV can be deleted or renamed. The "find my hearing aids" feature shows the last recorded location of the hearing aids on a map. Hearing aid settings include Bluetooth phone call preferences (enhanced or normal sound quality), streaming setup, connection management (stay connected or reconnect each time), and tap control settings.
Tap Control Settings [24:22]
Tap control allows users to double-tap their ear to perform actions like answering calls or pausing streaming. This feature can be enabled or disabled, and the sensitivity level can be adjusted. The left and right hearing aids can be set to perform different actions.
Additional Device Settings and Cleaning Reminders [25:58]
The "auto on" setting controls whether the hearing aids automatically turn off in the charger and turn on when removed. Cleaning reminders can be set to receive notifications to clean the hearing aids weekly. The app provides instructions for changing wax filters.
Support and Profile Tabs [27:15]
The "support" tab provides access to FAQs, how-to videos, and remote support. Remote support allows users to connect with their hearing care professional for remote sessions. The "profile" tab contains account information and allows users to edit their details.
Using Wireless Accessories [28:37]
When wireless accessories like the Roger On or PartnerMic are paired, they appear in the program dropdown. Selecting the accessory program streams audio directly to the hearing aids. Users can switch back to the automatic program to stop streaming. The mute button can be used to mute the hearing aid microphones while streaming from an accessory. The ambient balance setting allows users to adjust the mix of sound from the hearing aids and the wireless accessory.
CROS Device Adjustments [31:37]
For users with CROS devices, the app provides an option to adjust the cross balance, controlling the amount of sound coming from the CROS transmitter versus the hearing aid.
