What is BS EN 60118-8- Hearing aids testing about?
BS EN 60118-8 is the eighth part of an international multi-series standard that covers electroacoustics techniques for testing hearing aids.
BS EN 60118-8 establishes certain guidelines for simulated in situ measurements of hearing aids. BS EN 60118-8 also describes a simplified method for simulated in situ measurements of hearing aids and a description for determination of the directivity index (DI) of directional microphones in hearing aids in the horizontal plane.
BS EN 60118-8 specifies tolerances and conformance to its specifications is demonstrated only when the result of a measurement, extended by the expanded uncertainty of measurement of the testing laboratory, lies fully within the tolerances specified in BS EN 60118-8 extended by the values for Umax.
Who is BS EN 60118-8- Hearing aids testing for?
BS EN 60118-8 on hearing aids testing in situ working conditions is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of hearing aids
- Suppliers and exporters of hearing aids
- Designers of hearing aids
- Manufacturers and suppliers of microphones
- Manufacturers of ear simulators
- Audiologists
- Testing authorities
Why should you use BS EN 60118-8- Hearing aids testing?
A hearing aid is a device designed to improve hearing by making sound audible to a person with hearing loss. Electroacoustics assessment of the hearing aids is used for verifying if the performance characteristics of a hearing aid are as per its reference specifications. The hearing aid is considered to be a combination of the physical hearing aid and the fitting software which accompanies it.
BS EN 60118-8 serves the purpose of describing the methods for a test that simulates the acoustical effects of a median adult wearer on the performance of a hearing aid. BS EN 60118-8 specifies methods to provide information to the users on a device such as a manikin to simulate the presence of the wearer. BS EN 60118-8 establishes certain essential guidelines for simulated in situ measurements of hearing aids. BS EN 60118-8 recommends using the methods described here for obtaining the results under simulated in situ conditions. These results might differ from results obtained on an individual person, due to anatomical variation of head, torso, pinna, ear canal, and eardrum. Care should therefore be taken when interpreting the results.
BS EN 60118-8 describes the methods that give information on the measurement of the following parameters that are considered important for the evaluation of the performance of a hearing aid as normally worn, and for which simulated in situ conditions are considered essential:
- Full-on insertion gain
- Insertion frequency response
- Directional characteristics
- Simulated in situ OSPL90
Measurement methods that consider the acoustical influence of the wearer on the performance of hearing aids are important, particularly when the results are to be used to assist in the fitting of hearing aids.
Thus, BS EN 60118-8 is useful as it assists with the performance characteristics of hearing aids under simulated in situ working conditions which can be beneficial for your business.