ELECTRO ACOUSTICS CHARACTERISTICS

EAC :-
The performance characteristics of a hearing aid, that is the changes affected in a
signal as it is transduced from acoustic to electric to acoustic energy are known as
the electro acoustic characteristics.
Purpose of EAC:-
 Studying the performance of the hearing aid and to check if a hearing aid confirms to
standard specifications

 Serves as a quality control

 Helps in comparing and classifying hearing aids

 Assists in hearing aid selection

 To study the effects of electronic and/or acoustic modifications of hearing aid

 Monitors the hearing aid performance at the time of purchase and during use

 In order to work effectively with hearing aids, it is necessary to understand how they
work and how their performance is measured.

 The accurate electro acoustic characterization of hearing aid is important for the design,
assessment and fitting of the hearing aid.

HOW TO MEASURE-
 The performance of hearing aid is most conveniently measured when the hearing aid is
connected to a coupler.

 A coupler is a small cavity that connects the hearing aid sound outlet to a measurement
microphone.

COUPLER-
 The basis for this measurement is the ISI standard with HA-2 coupler.

 An acoustic coupler is a simple cavity of specified shape and volume which is used for
the calibration of an earphone.
 It contains a calibrated microphone to measure the sound pressure developed within the
cavity & hence to a SLM, without sound leaking out to other place.

 A coupler gives only a rough approximation to the acoustic properties of the human ear
but has the advantage of simple design and construction.

 The standard coupler used for the hearing aids has been around for over 50 years and has
a volume of 2 cubic cm. This volume was chosen because it was an approximation of
the average adult ear canal volume. when a hearing aid is worn.

 The SPL generated in any cavity by a hearing aid depends directly on the impedance of
the cavity. This in turn depends on the volume of the cavity, and on the nature of
anything connected to the cavity.

 In the average adult ear, the residual ear canal has a physical volume of about 0.5cc.
This volume acts as an acoustic spring. Or more formally, an acoustic compliance.

 The ear canal, of course, terminates in the eardrum, on the other side of which is the
middle ear cavity. The compliance of the middle ear cavity and eardrum together act as
if they have a volume of about 0.8cc

 The combined 1.3cc volume determines the impedance for low frequency sounds. As
frequency rises, the mass of the eardrum and ossicles cause their impedance to rise,
while the impedance of the residual ear canal volume falls.

 An ear simulator mimics this variation of impedance with frequency. As well as the
main cavity, with a volume of 0.6cc, the simulator shown has four side cavities, each
with volumes from 0.10 to 0.22cc, connected to the main cavity by small tubes, three of
which also contain dampers (ANSI s3.25, 1979).

 As frequency rises, the impedance of these tubes rise and they effective total volume to
gradually fall from 1.3cc to 0.6 cc.

 One ear simulator with four cavities is known as the Knowles DB100 ear simulator.
Another ear simulator in common use is the Bruel &Kjaer 4138 ear simulator. It
operates on the same principles, except that it has two simulators have a very similar
variation of impedance with frequency.

 But unfortunately, the standard 2-cc coupler is larger than the average adult ear canal
with a hearing aid in place, so the hearing aid generates lower SPL in the coupler than in
the average ear.

 This difference is called Real ear to coupler difference.(RECD)

 So a more complex measurement device, which better stimulates the acoustic of the
human ear, is called an ear simulator.

 An ear simulator or artificial ear is a far more sophisticated device for the calibration of
an ear phone. Like the acoustic coupler, it contains a calibrated microphone for the
measurement of the sound pressure developed within a cavity.

 Several standards published by the ANSI & International electro acoustical commission
(IEC) specify how hearing aids should be tested.

 ANSI S3.22 specifies that hearing aids be measured in a 2-cc coupler; whereas IEC 118-
0 specifies that hearing aids be measured in an ear simulator.

 The ITE and ITC hearing aids usually connected directly to a coupler or ear simulator.
BTE and body aids, however, connect to the real ear via an ear mould, so an ear mould
simulator is added between the coupler or the ear simulator and the hearing aid. In
addition BTE hearing aids use tubing when connecting to the real ear, so they also
require tubing when connecting to the coupler or simulator.

 ANSI S3.3 describes a 2-cc coupler as being used in several different applications, the
most important of which are…..

 HA-1 coupler has no ear mould simulator and is used for ITE & ITC aids, which are
connected to the coupler via putty.

 The HA-2 coupler includes an ear mould simulator, which is connected to the BTE
hearing aid via tubing, or into which a receiver for a body aid snaps.

 HA-3 coupler – The HA-3 coupler is a special form of the HA1 coupler, using a rigid or
flexible sealing construction. It is intended for the testing the module portion of the
modular ITE hg aid and /insert type receiver that does not have a nub. The tube diameter
is 1.93mm and the length is 10mm. The length starts at the end of the receiver tubing
protruding from the module or receiver.

 HA-4 coupler- The HA-4 coupler is a variation of the HA-2 coupler and is intended for
testing BTE or Eye Glass Hg.Aids its simulates a fitting in which the bore through the
ear mould from the end of the ear hook of the BTE aid or from the end of the sound
outlet on the eyeglass aid is assumed to have a uniform diameter of 1.93mm and a length
of 43mm.
Instrumentation-
 The sound box has sound – absorbent walls in order to maintain free field conditions.

 An audio frequency sine wave generator drives a loudspeaker, which is located in the
sound box.

 Any non linearity in the loudspeaker frequency response in the sound box causes errors
in the measurement of frequency response of the hearing aid. Therefore the frequency
response of the loudspeaker must be flat between 100 Hz and 10 KHz.

 As no loudspeaker can offer such an accurate frequency response, the non linearity in
the loudspeakers frequency response is compensated electronically.

 The text box provides a convenient way to get sound into the hearing aid in a controlled
manner. These sounds can be pure tones that sweep in frequency, or can be complex,
broad band sounds are necessary to perform meaningful measurements or many non
linear hearing aids.

 The text box generates sounds of required SPL at the hearing aid microphone.

 A test box includes a tone and or noise generator, an amplifier, a loud speaker and a
control microphone.

 The control microphone or reference microphone is placed next to the hearing aid
microphone.

 As we know the frequency response of the loudspeaker should be flat between 100 Hz
and 10 KHz, so no loudspeaker can offer such an accurate frequency response, the non
linearity in the loudspeakers frequency response is compensated electronically. This can
be accomplished in two ways.

1) The first method is called comparison method.

2) There is a 2nd method is called as substitution method.

Comparison method-

 A control microphone (a second microphone) is installed in the sound box

symmetrically opposite the test point.

 The control microphone measures the sound pressure. Whenever the sound pressure
deviates from the references value, the electrical input to the loudspeaker amplifier is
rapidly adjusted so that the sound pressure at the control microphone again matches the
 reference value automatically turn the volume of the sound coming from the test box
speaker down or up, respectively, until the required level is obtained.

Substitution method-

 Only one microphone is required for substitution method.

 It differs from the comparison method in that the electrical input to the loudspeaker
amplifier needed to achieve the desired sound pressure is determined in advance.

 The control microphone is placed in the test position prior to the actual measurement.

 Prior to measuring any hearing instruments, the loudspeaker frequency response is

determined with the measuring microphone at the test point. This curve is stored and the
microphone is removed.

 During subsequent measurements of hearing instruments, the electrical input to the

loudspeaker amplifier is manipulated so as to “flatten out” the stored curve

 If the stored curve has 5 dB notches at 10 KHz, then the electrical input to the
loudspeaker amplifier is increased as to give a 5 dB more intense signal at this frequency

 In this way, a linear frequency response is achieved

Entrance- pressure method -

 This is similar to comparison method, except that the control microphone is placed very
close to the hearing aid microphone sound entrance within 5+/- 3mm for non-directional
hearing aids and within 12+/- 2 mm for directional hearing aids.

 The control microphones placed as close as possible to the hearing aid microphone
while the measurement is taking place.

 This close proximity has significant advantages (Carlson, 1974, Burk hard, 1978), in that
the results are practically independent of the direction of sound arrival.

 For Omni- directional microphone, when using the pressure method of calibration, it is
important only that the control microphone and the hearing aid microphone be close to
each other and the same distance away from the loud speaker.

 For directional microphones, it is important that the sound from the loudspeaker hits the
hearing aid at the same angle that it would when the hearing aid is being worn and the
source is directly in front of the person wearing the hearing aid.

 This means the line joining the two inlet ports of the directional microphone will pass
through the center of the loud speaker, with the front port closest to the loud speaker.
 COMMON ELECTROACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS-

 GAIN -The amount, in decibels, by which the sound pressure level developed by the
hearing aid in the coupler exceeds the sound pressure level in the sound field at the
hearing aid microphone is the gain.

 Simply, gain equals output minus input.

 FREQUENCY RESPONSE –The frequency range of a hearing aid refers to the useful
range of the frequency response.

It is expressed by two numbers.

 Low frequency limit of the amplification.

 High frequency limit of amplification.
 The relation between frequency and gain constitutes one area of interest in specifying
electro acoustic behavior of hearing aid.

 SATURATION SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL –The saturation sound pressure level

(SSPL) value represents the maximum root mean square (rms) sound pressure level
obtainable in the coupler as generated by the receiver of the hearing aid.

 HARMONIC DISTORTION –Usually the result of overloading either the hearing aid
amplifier or receiver.

It is best indicated when the instantaneous sound pressure of the hearing aid
receiver is not directly proportional to the instantaneous sound pressure at the
microphone.

The distortion results mainly from peak clipping.

When clipping occurs, the maxima and minima of the signal are clipped, and hence
changing the wave form of the signal.

Measurement of OSPL frequency response:-

The purpose of this test is to determine the sound pressure level obtained in the HA-2 coupler
while giving an input 90 dB SPL and the hearing aid gain control in the full on position as a
function of frequency.

It is important to know at what level a hearing aid limits its output when it receives a high level
input signal. The maximum possible level should not exceed the threshold of discomfort for a
user.
Test procedure:-

 Turn the gain control ‘full on’ and set other controls to the required positions.
 Adjust the input sound pressure level to 90 dB SPL at 200 Hz by setting by sine wave
generator and input SLM octave filter at 200 Hz.
 Vary the frequency of the sound source over the recommended frequency range from 200
Hz to 5000 Hz keeping the input sound pressure level constant at 90 dB SPL. Record the
respective sound pressure level at all these frequencies from the output SLM by changing
the frequency of the sine wave generator and octave filter is set at the input and output
SLMs to their respective settings.
 Both IEC and ANSI standards specify that hearing aid maximum output should be
measured using a 90dB SPL input signal, and both standards now use the term OSPL90
to describe the measurement. This level is high enough to cause many hearing aids to
reach their highest possible output level at each frequency.
 Note down the peak SSPL 90 and the corresponding frequency
 Find HFA SSPL 90 by taking the average of SSPL 90 at frequencies of 1000 Hz, 1600
Hz and 2500 Hz.
 Plot the SSPL 90 as a function of frequency.
 The resultant value is referred to as the high frequency average SSPL90 (HFA-SSPL90).
 This particular term was chosen to delineate between the existing value and the value
calculated in accordance with the earlier standards.
 The tolerance applied to the HFASSPL90 is such that the value shall be within ±4 dB of
the manufacturer`s specified value for that model of hearing aid.
(Fig)

Measuring on full on acoustic gain frequency response:-

Acoustic gain is defined as the output SPL in an earphone coupler and the input SPL. It is a
measure of how much the input signal is amplified. Acoustic gain is a function of frequency and
the user gain control setting as well as other factors. When the gain control is set to its
maximum position, i.e. full on, and the input SPL is adjusted to a suitable value that will not
overload the hearing aid, the full-on gain may be measured and recorded as a function of
frequency.

The purpose of this test is to determine the full on acoustic gain obtainable with the hearing
instrument. The output sound pressure level in the HA 2 coupler is measured at full on gain
control setting with an input below the hearing instrument’s saturation sound pressure level
(Normally 60 dBSPL)

Test procedure:-

 Turn the gain control full of the hearing aid on and set other controls to the required
positions
 At a 200 Hz frequency, set the input sound pressure level to 60 dBSPL, where the
relationship between the level of the input and out is essentially linear such conditions are
considered to exist it at all frequencies within the range of 200 Hz to 5000 Hz, change of
the input sound pressure level of 10 dB causes a change of recorded output level of 10 +1
dB, the input sound pressure level must be reported
 The frequency response with full on gain is measured by a varying the frequency of the
sine wave generator over the recommended frequency. Range of 200 Hz to 8000 Hz
keeping the input sound pressure level constant at 60 dB.
 The full on acoustic gain is plotted as a function of frequency
 The minimum gain is noted and also the HFA full on gain is calculated by taking the
average of gain obtained at the frequencies of 1 KHz, 1.6 KHz and 2.5 KHz.

Measurement of basic frequency response :-

The purpose of this test is to measure the frequency response of a hearing aid without
acoustic (feedback) or mechanical (vibration problems) If one compares the shape of the full on
acoustic gain frequency response the basic frequency response, then acoustic or mechanical
problems can be identified. The more similar the shapes of the curves are, the more stable is the
hearing aid.
Test procedure:-

 Adjust the gain control to the reference test gain position i.e. with an input sound pressure
level of 60 dBSPL. The gain should be adjusted so that the output sound pressure level at
1.6 KHz is about 15 + 1 dB lower than the OSPL 90 value at 1.6 KHz
 The other controls should be set to positions that give the broadest frequency range.
 Vary the frequency of the sound source over the recommended frequency range of 200
Hz to 8000 Hz keeping the input sound pressure level at 60 dBSPL.
 Plot the output sound pressure level as a function of frequency.
 Find out the HF average and note down value.
 Draw a horizontal line 20 d B below this value. Draw vertical lines at the points at which
this line touches the curve. These points on the frequency axis give f1 and f2.

FREQUENCY RANGE :-

To provide a general idea of the range of frequencies over which a hearing aid might be
considered effective, a standardized method of determination has been adopted. The method is
based on the frequency response curve. A horizontal line is drawn at a specific location. The
frequency range is defined by the intersections (f1 & f2 ) of the response curve and the
horizontal line. The location of the horizontal line is 20 dB downward from the average value of
points R1, R2 and R3 at 1000, 1600 and 2500 Hz, respectively.

Non linear distortions:-

The purpose at this test is to determine the degree of the amplitude nonlinearity in the
sound output under specified conditions.

The ability of a hearing aid to deliver a clean signal at the required output level is indicated by
measuring its nonlinear distortion characteristics.

The total harmonic distortion is a measure of nonlinearity.

The amplitude nonlinearity can be described in terms of

 a) Harmonic distortion :- When the input is a sine wave, the distortion products occur
at frequencies that are harmonics (i.e integer multiples) of the input frequency.
Consequently the process is called harmonic distortion.
b) Inter modulation distortion: - When a more complex signal is peak clipped, the
distortion products occur at frequencies that are harmonics of all the frequencies in the
input signal, and at frequencies that are combination of all the harmonics. If two tones,
with frequencies f1 &f2 are input, for e.g. distortion component will occur at 2f1, 3f1,
4f1, 2f2, 3f2, 4f2, f2-f1, 2f2-f1, 2f1-f2, 3f1-f2, to name but a few frequencies. Although
the mechanism causing the distortion is exactly the same as for harmonic distortion (peak
clipping is the most common cause), the result is called intermodulation distortion.

Total Harmonic distortion: - (The power of all the distortion products is summed and
expressed relative to the power of the wanted output signal component; This ratio is reffered to
as total harmonic distortion.)

The gain control is adjusted to the reference test position and the input sound pressure level
increased to 70 dBSPL. The total harmonic distortion is measured an input level of 70dB at 500,
800 and 65dB at 1600 Hz. In the event the specified frequency response curves rises 12 dB or
more between any distortions test frequency and its second harmonic, distortion tests at that
frequency may be omitted.

Percentage of total harmonic distortion (%THD) may be determined using either of the following
methods.

Method 1:- The amount of total harmonic distortion is measured in the output coupler by
filtering out the fundamental and measuring the RMS sum of the harmonics that remain. The
%THD is then given by

%THD = 100 x
Where p1 is the sound pressure of the fundamental in the earphone coupler and p2 & p3 , etc are
the sound pressure of the second, third, etc. harmonics.

Method 2:- An alternative, and perhaps preferred method the fundamental and each harmonic
sound pressure individually. This method has the advantage of reducing the effects of ambient
noise. So the total harmonic distortion is

% THD = 100 x

The method s give virtually identical results up to 20 % THD.

Percentage of THD values in typically hearing aids are usually in the range of 3 to 10 %. For
THD value higher than 20 % , method 2 should be used.

Total harmonic distortion at 500 Hz <2%

Total harmonic distortion at 800 Hz <2%

Total harmonic distortion at 1600 Hz < 1%

EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE LEVEL:- The quantity is not too important because the
internal noise levels of normally operating modern hearing aid electronics are low compared to
ambient noise levels typically encountered. The test space must be extremely quiet to avoid false
readings due to ambient noise when making the test for this quantity.

Measurement of Battery current:-

The purpose of this test is to determine the current consumption of the H/A in operation.
Test procedure:- With the gain control in the reference test gain position, measure the battery
current at the reference test frequency with an input sound pressure level of 60 dB SPL and at the
reference test frequency.

 A 1000-Hz tone is introduced in to the free field at an intensity of 65dB SPLand battery
current drain is measured.
 When other than a standard hearing aid battery is used as a power source, the internal
impedance of the power source is to be stated. The tolerance for battery current drain is
such that it shall not exceed the value specified by the manufacturer for that model of
hearing aid.

Coupler SPL with Induction coil :- The sensitivity of a telecoil is measured with the aid
set to the `T` mode and oriented to produce the greatest coupler SPL. The aid is placed in a
strong magnetic field created with a`` Telecoil Magnetic field simulator`` and the gain control set
to the reference test position. A frequency response ( sound pressure level for an inductive
telephone simulator or SPLITS ) curve can be made between 200 and 5000 Hz. A high frequency
average of the SPLITS curve (HFA-SPLITS ) or a special purpose average (SPA-SPLITS) can
be calculated as described for acoustic gain. Also available are simulated telephone sensitivity
(STS) HFA-SPLITS (HFA-SPLITS-Reference test gain + 60 dB0, which is a figure of merit for
how much the volume control will have to be rotated when switching from microphone position
to telephone position, or STS SPA-SPLITS (SPA-SPLITS-reference test gain + 60dB)

I/O CHARACTERISTICS – AGC Aids :- It is important to know how output SPL varies with
as a function of input SPL from 50 to 90 dB in 5 dB steps, measured at one of the following
frequencies; 250, 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz. The curves are drawn on a grid with output SPL
as the ordinate and input SPL as the abscissa.

DYNAMIC AGC CHARACTERISTICS: - The AGC function takes time. The ``Dynamic
AGC characteristics`` is a method to determine the attack and release times for the AGC
function. With the aids gain control set to the reference-test position, a 2000Hz input tone is
abruptly alternated between 55 and 90 dB SPL.
The attack time is defined as the time between the abrupt increase and the point where the output
level has stabilized to ±3 dB of the steady-state value for the 90 dB input.

The release time is defined as the time between the abrupt drop and the point where the hearing
aid output stabilized to ±4dB of the steady state 55-dB input SPL. Times are stated in
milliseconds.

Electro acoustic Measurements of Digital Hearing Aids

Introduction

Digital hearing aids are still hearing aids. While they may have many benefits, they are
not perfect. At least three possible sources of error exist when fitting hearing instruments and
testing can ensure that these errors are minimized. Some digital instruments are noise reduction
programs that can make them more difficult to test. Methods are outlined to enable with pure
tone and composite signals.

All hearing instruments have some elements in common. All include an input
microphone; an output receiver and a battery with its connectors and some way to control the
electronic circuit. In an analog hearing instrument, this hardware is all there. In a digital hearing
instrument, the additional element of software is added, and this determines how the hearing
instrument operates. With most digital hearing instruments, a programmer is also needed to
adjust the operational parameters. It may take the form of a small box with a cable and connects
to the hearing aid, or it may be a personal computer operating under control of a programming
module.

When preparing a digital hearing instrument for the customer, it is usually programmed.
In this process, the programming device often displays the predicted response of the hearing
instrument as a graph or family of curves. It should be remembered that this display is a
prediction, not an actual measurement. The programmer may make a display that, because of a
software bug or other hearing instrument defect, does not show the real operating state of the
hearing instrument. The instrument may have a frequency response that does not agree with that
displayed on the screen. Its AGC action may be disabled, or its knee-points may be set to
unknown levels.
 It is up to the hearing care professional to determine if the hearing instruments is really
doing what it is supposed to do. The professional must be willing to test a digital hearing
instrument to be sure that it is operating correctly, and should verify that the hardware, software
and programming are all working correctly determine that something has gone wrong and things
are not behaving as was expected.

Tests:

The following are the test descriptions:

 50 / 60 / 90 dB response: - Device is stimulated with 84 discrete sinusoids at 50, 60,

90dB. For the 50dB sweep, output response at microphone is measured and compared
with average value of 100 typical devices. Each point on the curve is compared to the
corresponding, previous and next point on the ideal template. If any point passes this
comparison, the point passes. The template is moved up or down to center the response
between the upper and lower template boundaries. The tolerance is 4dB from 400Hz to
1900Hz. The tolerance is 6dB from 2000 Hz to 4000Hz. Points outside of the 400 to 4000
ranges are not considered. If all points pass. If any points fail, the 50 dB response test
fails. The 90db sweep generates several parameters. The 60dB sweep has no pass/fails
parameters.
 Total Harmonic Distortion: - Total harmonic distortion is measured at 500, 800, and 1600
Hz at 70dB. Device is stimulated at a given frequency and amplitude. Device response at
sideband frequencies is measured.
 [Max THD at 1-2 KHz, 85dB. Aid is swept at 85db. The maximum distortion from 1 to
2KHz is measured.
 Battery current:- The current consumed by the device is measured while being stimulated
by a specified frequency and amplitude sine. Two standards are used: (a) ANSI and (b)
JIS / IEC (2.1 mA).
 Attack and Release time: - At a specified frequency and amplitude, the time between the
stimulating signal and the response is measure. There are of two types:
o Enhanced attack and release time
o Adaptive attack and release time.
#Enhanced attack and release time

The procedure displays numerical and graphical results of attack and release tests using
ary of 18 different pure-tone frequencies, or the speech weighted composite signal. These tests
are important for testing the performance of frequency specific signal processing circuits.

A choice of test frequencies lets you exercise the attack and release phases of the hearing
aid in the specific frequency region for which a particular signal processing circuit was designed
to work. Example: ‘ASP-type’ circuits are usually designed to reduce low frequency background
noise. So you would use a low frequency to test the circuit.

The speech weighted composite signal lets you see how the circuit reacts to the
broadband speech like signal.

The numerical display gives you the attack and release time for the chosen test signal.
Attack time is particularly critical for low frequency active circuits such as ‘ASP’ since a fast
attack time will reach to speech, whereas a slow attack time will react only to ongoing noise.

The graphical display of ‘output versus time’ lets you see how the device performs over
the attack and release phases. Erratic performance during these critical phases could results in
effects that are audible to a hearing impaired listener. These effects could be annoying or even
could obscure parts of a conversation.

# Adaptive attack and release time

The adaptive attack and release time test makes it possible to evaluate the performance of
special compression circuits that changes their release time, depending on the length of the input
signal. This type of processing is designed to distinguish between ongoing speeches and load,
abrupt noises that can often cause normal compression circuits to obscure parts of conversation.
(Example: Telex’s adaptive compression).

It performs a 2KHz attack test following by a special two signal release test consisting of
a short signal 1 sec and a long signal 2 sec. we can select whether the signal level varies between
55 and 75, 80, 90 or 95dB SPL (80 is standard). The results will be displayed numerically and
graphically on the screen.
Digital signal processing

New technology in hearing aids had added a great deal of capability such as increased
clarity and flexible programming. However, the same technology can also have its pitfalls. This
test will tell you the digital processing or group delay and the signal phase of the hearing aid.

Digital processing delay

Its measurement will help you in determining whether or not a hearing aid is suitable for
a monaural fitting.

One of the properties of digital technology is that it always takes time to process digital
data. Imagine the aid or a miniature computer; it takes an analog sound wave, turns it into digital
information, performs some kind of algorithm to amplify signal and turns it back into an analog
sound wave, for the ear to hear. All of this calculating takes precious time; it’s never
instantaneous.

The processing delay for some hearing aids is so slight that it is imperceptible to the
human ear. The processing delay for other aids can extend to several msec-longer than the
calculating time of an analog hearing aid.

How delay will cause problems?

When you fit a client monaurally with an aid with a significant digital processing delay,
that person might experience some confusion because his unaided ear will be hearing sounds
slightly faster than his aided ear; which creates an echo effect. Problems can also be predicted for
patients with open canal fittings. It can be eliminated by fitting patient with an occluded binaural
set, than both ears will be listing with the delay, and the confusion will be alleviated.

Measurement Procedure

Done by sending a short impulse from the sound chamber speaker to hearing aid. Hearing
aid analyzer mic collects information from the hearing aid for 20 msec from the time the impulse
is delivered. This information is a series of number of varying amplitudes. Hearing aid analyzer
finds the maximum peak amplitude of the resulting information. Since the impulse response of a
hearing aid is not always simple, the analyzer also checks for any peak occurring before the max
peak. If a smaller peak exists, and it has amplitude of at least 50% of the max peak, the time of
the smaller peak will be considered the processing delay point otherwise, the time of the max
peak will be considered the processing delay point. The hearing aid analyzer system delay is
subtracted from this delay point in order to form the actual processing delay time. The data
collected in the digital processing delay measurements is displayed in graphical format as
amplitude v/s time. A dotted vertical line is placed at the calculated delay point. The numerical
value is also displayed.

Signal phase

Helps you to determine whether custom binaural hearing aids are working properly
together as a team.

This measurement is a test of the ‘pushing’ and ‘pulling’ of the amplified sound of the
aid. Sound is created by vibrations in the air. These vibrations can be thought of as air pushing
pulling against the ear. If sound goes through a hearing aid, the hearing aid might cause a phase
shift, turning a ‘push’ of the sound wave into a ‘pull’.

The components of a custom hearing aid are usually wired by hand. The receiver is
typically wired into the amplifier in such a way that it may or may not cause a phase shift of the
signal. If care is not taken, it is entirely possible to wire one hearing aid of custom binaural set
one way, and wire the other aid in the opposite way. This could cause one of the hearing aids to
be pulling while the other aid is pushing, resulting in strange sound quality for the hearing and
wearer. So it is very important to check the signal phase of the hearing aid while fitting a client
with binaural set in order to ensure that the aids are working together as a team.

Measurement procedure

Signal phase measure works by generating a 1 KHz cosine wave, turning it into a test
signal, and delivering it to the aid. The cosine wave signal is affect at the time of generation so
that it starts at the baseline (0 point). It continuous through a complete cycle and terminates when
it reaches the baseline again. This signal, although consisting of only a simple pulse, contains
very few frequencies above 1 KHz and is few msec wide at base. The data collected from this
measurement is displayed in a graphical formant 20msec wide. The system delays as well as the
digital processing delay are noted for reference on the phase graph in the form of vertical lines.

When measuring a set of binaural hearing aids, both the phase and the delay graphs should
match fairly closely.

Digital speech signal

 The ANSI 87 and 96 standards were written and published in the days before noise
reducing digital hearing aids.
 They have made no provision for testing digital hearing aids.
 However, one can still perform accurate frequency response measurements using the
digital speech signal.
 The digital speech signal was developed in order to test noise-reducing digital hearing
aids without fear of them going into noise suppression mode.
 It does this by taking the standard composite signal and interrupting it randomly.
 The digital hearing aid responds to this modulated signal as it would respond to normal
speech.
 The advantage of digital speech is that the analyzer treats it just as another signal source.
 Then we don’t have to test the digital hearing aid any differently than how we test a
normal analog hearing aid.

Digital testing with a bias tone

  Adding a pure tone bias signal allows to see how well the hearing aid filters out
background noise.
 If we have an aid that filters continuous noise, we should notice a definite difference in
the curve at the frequency of the bias pure tone.
 If the HA doesn’t react to the bias tone, that’s a good indication that the aid is not speech
sensitive.
 Using the bias tone in the digital speech in noise program is an excellent way to find out
how the different bands of the digital HA react to speech.
 You’ll find that some aids really have multiple true independent channels while other
aids have channels which are more dependent upon each other than is perhaps advertised.
Testing digital noise suppression

 We can use combination of the continuous composite signal and the digital speech signal
to see how much the aid lowers the its gain when subjected to a noisy signal.
 This will give an idea of how much advantage the user will be getting in a noisy
environment.

 We can see the difference between the two curves

  The composite curve should show lower gain than the digital speech curve.
 If the two curves fall on top of each other, it’s a good indication that the noise
suppression feature on the hearing aid either is not working correctly or is not enabled.
Measuring directionality

 Although directional hearing aids can have different types of polar maps and two or even
three microphones, the basic concept is fairly simple: speech sound from in front of the
hearing aid wearer is louder than noise from behind him.
 The hearing aid test system cannot give you a polar plot of the directional hearing aid
response, but it can provide you with the basic information of how much directional
benefit the hearing aid wearer is receiving and at which frequencies.
 The directional test takes advantage of the speaker placement in the large sound chamber
and the flat testing surface that makes it easy to position the hearing aid for testing.
 There are two measurements: one where the hearing aid is positioned so that it is facing
towards the sound chamber speaker, and one where the hearing aid is positioned so that it
is facing away from the sound chamber speaker.
 You should use the same input signal for both measurements.
 The source amplitude used for this measurement should be greater than the noise floor of
the testing environment but less than the compression knee point of the hearing aid, if
possible.
 50 dB SPL is usually a good choice.
Speaker Placement
 The speaker in the sound chamber is positioned on the right side of the chamber at a 45º
angle.
 It is important to keep this in mind when positioning the directional hearing aid for
measurements.

Forward measurement
 The first step in doing a directional test is to position the hearing aid in the sound
chamber so that the front of the hearing aid is pointing towards the right side of the
chamber.
 Close the sound chamber lid and perform the following steps:
1. Enter the Coupler Multi curve screen by pressing [F1] from the Opening screen.

2. Use [F5] to set the source type to Digital Speech.

3. Use [∨, ∧] to set the source amplitude to 50 dB SPL.

4. Press [START].

 After the measurement has stabilized, press [STOP]. The measured curve is the
“forward” measurement of the directional test.

Reverse measurement

 Open the sound chamber and position the hearing aid so that the front of the hearing aid
is pointing towards the left side of the chamber.
 Different hearing aids have different null points so you will want to adjust the
positioning so that the sound chamber speaker is pointing towards what should be the null
point of the directional aid.
 Close the sound chamber lid when finished and perform the following steps:
 1. Use [F2] to select the next curve.
 2. Use [F5] to set the source type to Digital Speech.
 3. Use [∨, ∧] to set the source amplitude to 50 dB SPL.
 4. Press [START].
 When the measurement has stabilized, press [STOP].
 The measured curve is the “reverse” measurement of the directional test.
 If the directional microphones of the hearing aid are working properly, this curve should
have less output or gain than the forward measurement.
 The difference in the RMS Out of the two curves will give you the average overall
advantage provided by the directional microphones. In this example, the hearing aid has
an 8 dB average directional advantage.
Coupler I/O

 The Coupler I/O Test measures the input/output of the hearing aid from 50 dB SPL to 90
dB SPL in 5 dB steps
 Test results are shown in both graphical format and numerical format and can be
displayed in either Gain or SPL (Output).
 By default, this test is done with a puretone stimulus at 2000 Hz.
 The frequency of this stimulus can be changed by using [<, >].
 You can also toggle the source type between Pure tone and Composite by using [F5].
 (The frequency selection is only available when the source type is set to Pure tone.)
Hearing aid measurement standards:-

There are several national and international standards that define measurement on hearing
aids. These standards describe a series of electro acoustic tests of hearing aids. This chapter
essentially deals with the ANSI specification of hearing aids. These standards describe a
series of electro acoustic tests of hearing aids. This chapter essentially deals with the ANSI
specification of hearing aid characteristics ANSI S3.22-1996; the Indian standard institute
specification of hearing aid standards and the international electro technical commission
(IEC) standards. (IEC) 118-1994. People who work with hearing aids can use these
standards to compare the performance characteristics of individual instruments to the
nominal performance characteristics specified by the manufacturers.
 SSUMMARY OF SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

ASA STD 7-1976

(ANSI S3.22-1976)

SPECIFICATIONS TOLERANCE
1)SSPL 90 CURVE Maximum value of SSPL 90 shall not
exceed specified value.
2)HF-AV. SSPL 90 Must be within ±4 dB of specified value.
3)Full- on gain curve No tolerances.
4)HF-AV, Full on gain Must be within ±5 dB of specified value.
5) Frequency response curve ( text 1) See text 2
6) Harmonic distortion (text 1) Must not exceed specified values at 500 ,
800, 1600 Hz
7) Equivalent input noise level (text 1) Must not exceed specified maximum value.
8)Battery current (text 1) Must not exceed specified maximum value.
9) Induction coil 1000Hz sensitivity. Must be within ±6dB of specified value.
10)AGC Input-output characteristic Match measured and specified curves at 70
dB input.
Measured value @50 and 90 dB must be
within ±4dB of specified values.
11)AGC attack and release times Must be within ±5ms. Or ±50 %
(Whichever is large of specified values)

TEXT 1:-reference test gain control position is used in items 5, 6, 7 and 8. Gain control must
be set 17 dB (±1 dB) below HF –average SSPL 90 for each individual instrument.

TEXT 2:- FREQUENCY RESPONSE CURVE.

a) From the manufactures specified frequency response curve determine the average of the
1000, 1600, and 2500 Hz response levels.
b) Subtract 20 dB.
 c) Draw a line parallel to the abscissa at the reduced level.
d) Note the lowest frequency, f1, at which the response curve intersects the straight line.
e) Note the highest frequency, f2, at which the frequency response curve intersects the
straight line.
FREQUENCY RANGE: - For information purpose, but not for tolerance purpose, the
frequency range of the hearing aid shall be considered as being between f1 &f2.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE TOLERANCE: - The tolerances in two bands shall be as

follows.
Freq. limit Tolerance
Low Band (1.25f1 to 2000Hz) (±4 dB)
High Band 2000 to 4000Hz or 0.8f2 (±6dB)
Whichever is lower.

ANSI standards S3.22-1996

These standards have been developed under the ANSI standards committee method of
procedure under the sponsorship of the acoustical society of America (ASA). The ANSI
standard is the most important standard that is widely used today. The ANSI S3.22-1996
standards specify that tests be performed using pure tones

Test procedure:-

a) Adjust the gain control of the hearing instrument to approximately the reference test
position. A precise adjustment of the gain control is not strictly necessary. The position
of the trimmers must be stated in the test report. Here again, the trimmers should be
positioned so that the hearing instrument gives the broadcast frequency response.
b) Measure the output sound pressure Level LS in the HA2 coupler at the reference test
frequency with a pure tone input sound pressure level L1=60 dBSPL. (Note: For hearing
instruments with an automatic gain control (AGC), an input sound pressure level of 60
dBSPL may be too high and should be reduced to a level which ensures essentially linear
 input/output conditions. If this is the case, the input sound pressure level should be
selected accordingly.
c) Switch off the sound source and measure the sound pressure level L2 in the HA2 coupler.
This is the internally generated noise. To ensure that the noise is the HA2 coupler and
the HA2 coupler microphone system is adequately low, the measured noise should
decrease by at least 10 dB when the hearing instrument is turned off. Measure the output
sound pressure level LS in the HA2 coupler at the reference test frequency with a pure
tone input sound pressure level L1= 60 dBSPL.
d) Calculate the equivalent input noise level LN as follows Ln=L2- (Ls-L1) where, L2=o/p
SPL in the HAL coupler LS=SPL in the HA2 coupler at the ref. Test frequency L1 is the
l/p SPL at ref. Test frequency (generally 60dBSPL)
Basic setting of controls on the hearing aid

All trimmers have to be set to give the widest possible frequency response range, the
maximum gain and the maximum output. If it is not possible to achieve both the maximum
output and the maximum gain set the hearing aid for the maximum output. An exception is an
AGC instrument having compression controls. Set the controls as indicated by the manufacturer.

Leveling the test equipment:-

Leveling must account for all items present in the test chamber at the time of testing. The
complete hearing/coupler/microphone apparatus (or equivalent) must be in place during leveling
with a single microphone system, ‘the equivalent substitution method is used and leveling must
be redone when even a change is made that could affect the acoustics of the measuring system.

Standard parameters

 Output sound pressure level (OSPL-90) with the gain control of the hearing instrument
full and an input sound pressure of 90 dBSPL, the output sound pressure is determined.
Frequency of the source is varied from 100 to 10000 Hz.
The maximum OSPL 90 reading has to be no more than 3 dB higher than the manufacturer’s
specification.

 HF average OSPL 90:-

The maximum output sound pressure level with full on gain at 3 frequencies 100 Hz, 1600 Hz
and 2500 Hz are added and the sum is divided by 3. The sound pressure so obtained is called the
HFA OSPL 90. the reading can be derived from the OSPL 90 curve. The HFA OSPL90 has to
be within + 4 dB of the manufacturer’s specification

 Full on gain:-
With the gain control of the hearing instrument set at full on and an input sound pressure of 60
dBSPL, full on gain is recorded as a function of frequency if a 60 dB input SPL would overload
the hearing instrument, then 50 dBSPL is used.

 HFA full on gain:-

The average of the full on gain at the frequencies 1000, 1600 and 2500 Hz. These three
frequencies are chosen by ANSI becoz most hearing aids produce usable output at those
frequencies. An HFA reading gives a single number that represents the over all performance, of
an instrument for the test condition in question. The HFA full on gain has to be within + 5dB of
the manufacturer’s specification.

 Reference test position:-

With an input sound pressure of 60 dBSPL, the amplification control is adjusted so that the
output sound pressure level is 17 dB lower than the HF average OSPL 90. A tolerance of + 1 dB
is allowed for setting gain control to the reference test position.

 Frequency response curve:-

A frequency response curve is obtained with the gain control in the reference test position and
the average SPL of the frequencies 1000, 1600 and 2500 Hz is determined. A horizontal line is
drawn on the graph 20 dB below this average value. The point at which the line intersects the
frequency response curve indicates the ASA frequent range. The lower band position of the
frequency response curve (< 2 KHz) must fall within + 4 dB of the specified curve. The high
band portion of the frequency response (>2 KHz) must fall within + 6dB of the specified curve.
  Introduction coil sensitivity:-
The hearing instrument is set to the ‘T’ (telephone input) mode and placed in a sinusoidal
alternating magnetic field having an rms magnetic field strength of 10 mA/m at 1000 Hz. The
gain control is set to full on and the hearing instrument is oriented to produce the greatest coupler
sound pressure level.

 Battery current drain:-

The battery current is determined with the hearing instrument adjusted to the reference test
position. The battery current is measured a this position with an input sound pressure level of 65
dB SPL of 1000 Hz. The hearing aid manufacturer is required to state the battery type used for
all the published S3.22 tests of an instrument. The battery current drain may not be more than
20% higher than the highest value specified by the manufacturer.

 Equivalent input noise level (EIN)

The equivalent noise level Ln is measured in very quiet ambient conditions with the gain control
in the reference test position. It is calculated as follows.

Lav = Average dBSPL output at frequencies 1000, 1600 and 2500 Hz

L2 = Noise level of the unit in the reference test position

Ln = L2 (Lav -60) dBSPL

The EIN level has to be less than or equal to the highest value specified by the manufacturer plus
3 dB.

Revised ANSI standard for measurement of hearing instrument performance.

The original purpose of the ANSI S3.22 standard published in 1976 and entitled specification of
H/A characteristics, was to ensure quality control in the manufacture of hearing aids. This
standard was developed the request of the food and Drug administration (FDA), bocoz
instrument as a medical device. The standard which was revised in1982, and 1987, 1996 and
2003.
1996 rivsed ANSI standard:- Normally, ANSI standards are reaffirmed, modified or declared
every 5 years. However, the 1996 revision of the S3.22 standard, which includes major changes
in the measurement of hearing instrument performance, took nearly 9 years to complete.

Major changes called for:-

The revised S3.22 standard calls for major changes in the recommended methods for testing
automatic gain control (AGC) hearing instruments and for assessing induction coil sensitivity.
Also, an additional method has been included in the appendix for measuring and expressing
equivalent input noise. The following is a brief discussion of some of the major changes in the
1996 revision of the S3-22 standard and whey they were made.

A) Test for AGC hearing instruments:-

Since the S3.22 standard was first published in 1976, AGC H/A have been tested at full on gain
control position. This procedure resulted in some AGC H/A with push pull or class D output
stages showing artificially high distortion and current drain, in comparison to H/A with similar
gain but not position for reference test gain. In other words, some AGC H/As were being unduly
penalized by having to be tested as full on gain.

To correct this situation, the 1996 revision of the S3.22 standard cells for AGC H/As to
be tested at a reduced reference test gain control position, just as non AGC H/as are. However to
ensure that the compression circuits are activated at the reduced gain control reference test
position the input SPL for the attack and release time measurements also had to be changed to 55
to 90 to 55 dBSPL from the level sequence now in use (55 to 80 to 55 dBSPL).

Since the last revision of the S3.22 standard in 1987, there has been wide spread
proliferation of H/A with variable release times. The method now in use for measuring attack
and release times requires that the hearing instrument output settle to within 2dB of the steady
state value after a sudden increase or decrease in input level. Use of the 2dB setting level can
produce considerable variation in results for AGC hearing instruments with variables release
times. To correct this problem, the setting level for the hearing instrument output has been
changed to be within 3 dB and 4dB for the attack and time and release time measurements,
respectively.
B) Induction coil sensitivity tests:-

In the spirit of a quality control measurement the original method of assessing induction
coil sensitivity in the S3.22 standard called for rotating the hearing aid while it is near an
inductive loop to find the maximum induction coil sensitivity at only one frequency (1000 Hz).
This method fails to reflect whether there is a difference in how hearing instruments actually
perform with telephones and with inductive loops. In the 1996 revision of the standard include
separate methods for expressing the performance of hearing instruments in induction mode with
the telephone and with the induction loops.

For telephone applications, a new fixture called the telephone magnetic field simulator
(TMFS) is used. This device resembles the receiver portion of a telephone handset and produces
about the same magnetic field strength and inductive radiation pattern as a hearing aid
compatible telephone receiver. Induction could sensitivity for telephone application is called the
simulated telephone sensitivity (STS). The STS is intended in estimate how much an H/A
wearer would have to turn the volume control to receive the same output SPL in induction mode
as in microphone mode.

For induction loop applications measurements are made as they have been since the
inception of the standard on a larger loop. To assess induction coil sensitivity for loop
applications is called the test loop sensitivity (TLS). The TLS is intended to estimate how much
an H/A wearer would have to turn the volume control to receive the same output SPL in
induction mode as in microphone mode for loop application.

c) Equivalent input noise tests:-

With the current quality control measurement of hearing instrument circuit noise, the
reference test gain of the hearing instrument is subtracted from the noise ouput SPL of the
hearing instrument with no input signal to find the equivalent input noise.

In an effort to harmonize the S3.22 standard with its international counterpart (IEC 118-0
standard) and to be able to compare the hearing and circuit noise to the audiogram of a H/A
wearer to predict it in the circuit noise might be audible and bothersome, the equivalent input
noise may also be expressed in 1/3 octave bands in the 1996 revision of the S3.22 standard. The
equivalent input noise measurement in a given 1/3 octave band is considered valid only the
equipment noise level is at least 6 dB below the H/A noise output level in that band.

D) Other changes:-

Some of the terminology in the standard has been changed. For example to promote
harmonization with the IEC 118-0 and 118-7 hearing instrument test standards, saturation sound
pressure level with a 90 dB input SPL (SSPL 90) has been changed to output SPL with a 90 dB
input SPL (QSPL 90) This terminology is appropriate, particularly for many AGC and
completely in the canal hearing instruments that do not saturate with a 90 dB input SPL.

ANSI S3.22 (2003) CHANGES

The ANSI 96 test was done with the AGC controls of the aid set to maximum
compression for the entire test. The ANSI 03 test was done with the compression set to
minimum for most of the test but set to maximum for the attack and release and I/O curves. This
partially explains the differences in the measurement results changes in the ANSI S3.22
standard.

1996 2003
AGC aids should have their compression AGC aids should have their compression
set to have maximum effect for all set to have minimum effect for all tests
measurement except for I/O and attack and release
measurements. For those tests, the
compression should be set to have
maximum effect.
Measured reference test gain must be Measured reference test gain must be
within 1 dB of the reference test setting within 1.5 dB of the reference test setting
target. target
Frequency response curve measure at 60 Frequency response curve measured at 60
dBSPL for linear aids and 50 dBSPL for dBSPL for all aids
AGC aids
 Equivalent input noise (EIN) formulas uses EIN formulas uses an input value of 50 dB
an input value of 60 dB
Full on gain measured at 60 or 50 dBSPL Full on gain always measured at 50 dBSPL
for linear aids, and 50 dBSPL for AGC aids
Simulated telephone sensitivity (STS the Same measurement, but it is now called
difference between the microphone relative simulated equivalent telephone
response curve HBA and the telecoil sensitivity (RSETS)
response curve HFA

Some highlights

i) When you set up an AGC aid for an ANSI test sequence, you will start with its
compression controls set to minimum (with the compression knee point set as high as
possible) Just before the input/output and attach and release measurements, the test
sequence will pause to allow you to set the compression controls of the aid to
maximum (with the compression knee point see as low as possible.)
ii) When you adjust the gain control of the H/A midway through the automated test
sequence, the measured reference test gain value will now only have to be within 1.5
dB of the target value instead of within 1 dB.
iii) The EIN formula uses a 50 dBSPL input instead of a 60 dBSPL input. With ANSI
96, any aid with a compression knee point below 60 dBSPL showed artificially high
EIN results. This means that ANSI 2003 EIN test results should be better (lower) for
AGC aids.
Indian Standards Institutions (ISI) standards

The Indian standard was adopted by the Indian standard institution in February 1984.
This standard is designed to be a basic document specifying a wide range of measurement
standard from which those applicable to particular needs can be selected. The standards include
numerous hearing aid performance parameters that are felt to be significant in predicting the
suitability of a H/A for various applications.

Classification of hearing aids

The performance of H/S shall be classified on the basis of the following parameters

a) The maximum saturation sound pressure level

b) The average OSPL 90
c) Full on acoustic gain and
d) HF average full on gain
H/A are classified into the following 3 classes mild, moderate and strong class H/A

General requirements

This standard is based on the free field technique in which the H/A is placed in a plane
progressive wave, with the earphone coupled to a standardized coupler, and the sound pressure
generated by the H/A in the cavity of the coupler being measured by a condenser microphone.
The measurement specified are based on the substitution method in which the reference point of
the H/A is made to coincide with the test point chosen on the axis of the sound source.

Test equipment and environment

Sound source substitution method

+ 1 dB over the range 200 to 5000 Hz + 1.5 dB over the range 5000 to 8000 Hz

Comparison method

+ 1.5 dB over the range 200 to 3000 Hz

+ 2 dB over the range 3000 to 8000 Hz

Frequency accuracy

Accurate within + 2% of the indicated value. Total harmonic distortion of the sound source not
to exceed 1% 70 to an input SPL of 70 dB 2% of an input SPL greater than 70 dB and up to 90
dB

Total harmonic distortion in measuring equipment less than 1% for SPL up to 130 dB in
the range 200 to 5000 Hz less than 3% for SPL above 130 dB and up to 145 dB

Coupler microphone
Flat within + 1dB over the range 200 to 3000 Hz, within + 2 dB in the range 3000 Hz to 8000 Hz
relative to the pressure sensitivity level at 1000 Hz

Battery or supply voltage:- accurate with + 2% reference test frequency: 1600 Hz frequency
range: at least 200 to 8000 Hz temperature: 15 to 35 0 C

Relative humidity: Less than 80% Air pressure 86 to 106 Kpa reference sound pressure 20 u pa.
Test environment free field conditions where in the sound pressure variations do not exceed + 1
dB .

Controls on the hearing aid

The tone control setting that gives the widest frequency range, shall be selected in preference to
setting in which the low and high frequencies are attenuated. All other control settings should be
chosen to give the highest OSPL 90 and the highest acoustic gain.

Standard parameters:-

 Sound pressure level curve for an input SPL of 90 dB (OSPL 90) with the gain control of
the hearing instrument on and an input sound pressure of 90 dBSPL, the output sound
pressure is determined. The recommended frequency range over which the frequency of
the source is varied from 200 to 8000 Hz.
 HF average full on gain:- The average of the full on gain at the frequencies 1000, 1600
and 2500 Hz.
 Full on acoustic gain frequency response: The output SPL in the coupler is measured at
fuli on gain control setting with an input SPL of 60 dB. If this does not produce
essentially linear input output conditions it can be set to 50 dBSPL. Linear input output
conditions are considered to exist at all frequencies within the range 200 to 8000 Hz a
change of the input SPL of 10 dB causes a change at the output level of 10 + 1 dB
 Comprehensive frequency response and basic frequency response:- With the gain control
at the reference test gain position, the frequency of the sound source in the range of 200
to 8000 Hz keeping the SPL constant at 50, 60, 70, 80 dB and 90 dB the frequency
response shall be obtained. The basic frequency response is the curve obtained an input
level of 60 dB
 Frequency range:- A frequency response curve is obtained with the gain control in the
reference test position and the average SPL of the frequencies 1000, 1600 and 2500 Hz is
determined. A horizontal line is drawn on the graph 20 dB below this average value.
The point at which the line intersects the frequency response curve indicates the
frequency range.
 Effects of tone control position on the basic frequency response:- The tone control setting
that gives the widest frequency range, shall be selected in preference to setting in which
the low or high frequencies are attenuated. The frequency of the sound source is varied
over the range 200 to 8000 Hz, keeping the input SPL constant at 60 dB.
 Effect of gain control position on frequency response:- The gain control from a full on
position is varied downward in approximately 10 dB steps at the reference frequency. At
each setting the gain control shall be varied over the frequency range from 200 to 8000
Hz keeping the input SPL constant.
 Effect on the full on acoustic gain of variation of battery or supply voltage. With the gain
control full on. The Input SPL is set to a sufficiently low value at the reference frequency
and the gain is determined. This shall be repeated for two values of the supply voltage
(i.e. at 1.5 volts and 1.0 volts) within the specified voltage range for normal operation of
the battery.
 Effect on OSPL 90 of variation of battery or supply voltage:- with the gain control full
on, the input SPL is set to 90 dB at the reference frequency and the OSPL 90 is
determined. This shall be repeated for various values at the supply voltage within the
specified voltage range for normal operation of the battery.
 Battery current:- With the gain control in the reference test gain position measure the
battery current at the reference test frequency and at an input SPL of 60 dB. The direct
current measuring system shall have the following characteristics.
a) An accuracy of + 5% at the value of the current measures
b) A direct current resistance not exceeding 50/1, when I is the current being measured in
mill amperes and
c) An alternating current impedance not exceeding 1 ohm over the frequency range 200 to
8000 Hz
  Harmonic distortion:- The gain control is an adjusted to the reference test position
and the input sound pressure level to set to 70 dB SPL, the frequency of the sound
source is varied over the frequency range 200 Hz to 8000 Hz and analysis of
output signal to be done for levels at the harmonic frequencies. In the event the
specified frequency response curves rises 12 dB or more between any distortion
test frequency response curves rises 12 db or more between any distortion test
frequency and its 2nd harmonic, distortion tests at the frequency may be obtained
and its 2nd harmonic distortion tests at the frequency, may be omitted. The total
harmonic distortion is given by the formula.
And harmonic distortion of the nth order by the formula

Where P1 is the sound pressure of the fundamental frequency of the signal in the coupler and P 2,
P3, P4 ---- Pn are the sound pressure of the harmonic components of the second, third fourth ----
nth order. In ISI specification the harmonic distortion measures at 1.5 volts and 1.0 volts.

Intermediation distortion:-

With the gain control of the H/A in the reference test gain position, set the frequencies f1 and f2
(within 350 to 5000 Hz) such as f2-f1=250 Hz having amplitude within 1.5 dB, f2 being higher
in frequency then f1. The sound pressure level of the two test tones shall be at 64 dB.
Frequency differences other than 250 Hz may be appropriate and when used the frequency
difference should be stated. If the signal to noise ration is too low at 250 Hz a higher frequency
difference may be used.

Internal noise generation in the H/A,the internally generated noise is expressed as an equivalent
input noise level the equivalent noise level LN is measured in very quiet ambient conditions with
the gain control in the reference test position. The reference test frequency is 1600 Hz, but for
certain H/A s a higher frequency may be chosen. The equivalent input noise level LN can be
calculated as follows.

LN = L2 - (L8 – L1) dBSPL

Where L2 = The sound pressure level in the coupler

L8 =The sound pressure level in the coupler

L1= The input sound pressure level at the RTF (60 dB)

International electro technical commission (IEC) standard:-

The ICE standard describes a series of electro acoustic tests of H/A The reference is the IEC
standard, publication in the year 1983

General requirements.

The Testing system:-

The testing system includes both the test equipment and the test environment. Specific
requirements for both the test equipment and the test environment as per the standard are
paraphrased below.

Stray signals: stray electric field or magnetic fields, mechanical vibrations and noise in the test
space (sound chamber) must be low enough so that test results are not altered by more than 0-5
dB.

Sound source:

Amplitude must be accurate to 1.5 dB between 200 and 2000 Hz, and 2.5 dB between 2000 Hz
and 5000 Hz

Frequency must be within 2% of the value indicated

Total harmonic distortion: Fore frequency response and full on gain curves must be 2% up to 70
dB SPL 3% up to 90 dBSPL for harmonic distortion test 0.5% upto 70 dBSPL

Coupler types: Coupler (2mm3) must be those described in IEC publication 126

BTE instruments: use the coupler containing the ear mold simulator with the cone shaped and
tubal extension attached.

 ITD , ITC and CIC instruments: use the direct access coupler vents should be sealed for 2
cc coupler tests
 Body instruments use the coupler containing the ear mould simulator without the cone
shaped and tubal extension attached.
  SPL measurement calibration must be accurate to 0.5 % at a system specified frequency.
 Coupler microphone must have equal sensitivity with + 1 dB between 200 and 2000 Hz
and within +-- 1.5 dB between 2000 and 5000 Hz
 Total harmonic distortion between 200 and 5000 Hz must be < 1% for up to 130 dBSPL
< 3% for 130 – 145 dBSPL
 Internal noise: the indicated SPL must be within 0.5 dB of tone rms for sinusoidal signals
 Battery current Accuracy must be to 5%
 Ambient conditions Temperature 230 C + 50 C
 Relative humidity 40% to 80%
 Atmospheric pressure 101.3 (+5/-20) Kpa
 Basic setting of controls on the H/A all controls have to be set to give the widest possible
frequency range, the maximum gains the maximum output.
Leveling the test equipment

Leveling must account for all items present in the test chamber at the time of testing. The
complete hearing aid/coupler microphone apparatus (or equivalent) must be in place during
leveling. With a single microphone system the “Equivalent substitution method” is used and
leveling must be redone whenever a change is made that could affect the acoustic of the
measuring system, such as changing the type of H/A from body level to BTE

Standard parameters OSPL 90:-

With the gain control of the hearing instrument at full on position and an input sound pressure of
90 dBSPL, the o/p sound pressure is obtained in the ear simulator.

Full on acoustic gain response:

The o./p sound pressure level in the ear simulator is measured at full on gain control setting with
an input below the hearing instruments saturation sound pressure revel. The manufacturer must
specify an input SPL based on the following criteria. If, using a 60 dB input SPL, the output at
any frequency between 200 and 5000 Hz is within less than 5 db of the OSPL 90 curve, than a 50
dB input SPL shall be used.

Basic frequency response:-

With an input SPL of 60 dB at the reference test frequency, the gain of the H/A shall be set so
that the output sound pressure level at 1600 Hz is about 15 dB + 1 dB lower than the OSPL 90
value at 1600 Hz. The frequency of the sound source is varied over the range 200 Hz to 8000 Hz
keeping the input sound pressure level at 60 dBSPL and volume control at RTG portion.

Battery current:-

With the gain control in the reference test gain position measure the battery current at the
reference test frequency and at an input SPL of 60 dB.

The direct current measuring system shall have the following characteristics

a) An accuracy of + 5% at the value of the current measure

b) A direct current resistance not exceeding 50/I, when I is the current being measured in
mille amperes.
c) An alternating current impedance not exceeding 1 0hm over the frequency range 20 Hz to
5000 Hz.
Total harmonic distortion:-

The gain control is adjusted to the reference test position and the input sound pressure level set to
70 dBSPL. The frequency of the sound source is varied over the frequency range 200 Hz to
5000 Hz and analysis of output signal to be done for levels at the harmonic frequency. In the
event the specified response curve rises 12 dB or more between any distortion test frequency and
its second harmonic distortion tests at that frequency may be omitted.

Where pl is the sound pressure of the fundamental frequency of the signal in the coupler and p2,
p3, p4 – pn are the sound pressure of the harmonic components of the 2nd, third and 4th – nth order

Equivalent input noise level :- The equivalent noise level LN is measured in very quiet ambient
conditions with the gain control in the reference test position. The output SPL LS in the ear
simulator at the reference test frequency with a pure tone input sound pressure Level L1 = 60 dB
SPL shall be determined

The equivalent input noise level LN can be calculated as follows

Ln = L2- (Ls-L1) dBSPL

Where L2 is the sound pressure level in the ear simulator when the sound source is switched off

Ls are the sound pressure level in the ear simulator at the reference test frequency

L1 is the input sound pressure level at the reference test frequency (generally 60 dB)

Induction coil sensitivity

With the gain control set to maximum the hearing instrument is set to the (Telephone input)
made and placed in a sinusoidal alternating magnetic field having an rms magnetic field strength
of 10 mA/m. The magnetic field strength must remain constant within the frequency range of
100 Hz to 10 KAZ. The field strength of 10 mA/m corresponds to an acoustic sound pressure
level of 50 dBSPL.

Comparison of main test standard and condition

Subject IEC ANSI ISI

RTGCP Single frequency 15 dB HFA (SPA) 17 dB gain control Single
gain control set back set back frequency 15 +
1 dB control set
back
Battery current 60 dBSPL input 65 dBSPL input 60 dBSPL input
Input full on 50 dBSPL if OSPL 90 SPL 50 dBSPL if OSPL 90 SPL 60 is 60 dBSPL
gain 60 is <5 dB < dB linear I/o
connect to 50
dBSPL
Full on gain at Yes Yes Yes
1.5 volt
Full on gain at No No Yes
1 Volt
Distortion at 1 frequency 3 frequency 3 frequency
1.5 volt
Distortion at 1 No No 3 frequency
volt
Frequency No Yes Yes
range
Tolerance no Yes No
AGC No Yes Yes
measurements
Directional No Yes No
microphone
Ambient Temperature 230 C + 50C Temperature 230 C + 50C Temperature
conditions 150 C + 350C
Relative humidity 40-80% Relative humidity0%-80% <80%
Air pressure 101.3 Kpa Air pressure 101.3 Kpa Air pressure
(+5, -20) (+5, -10) 86 to 106 Kpa

References:

1) Fonix 7000 manual

2) Hand book of clinical audiology (3rd ,4th , and 5th edition)
3) Hearing aids : standards, options, and limitations by (MICHAEL VALENTE)
4) Hearing aids by HARVEY DILLON