What is BS EN 61669- Real-time acoustical performance evaluation of hearing aids about?
BS EN 61669 is a safety standard on the measurement of real-ear acoustical performance characteristics of hearing aids.
BS EN 61669 gives recommendations and requirements for the measurement and estimation of the real-ear acoustical performance characteristics of air-conduction hearing aids and for the measurement of certain acoustic properties of the ear related to the application of hearing aids. Measurements of real-ear acoustical characteristics of hearing aids that apply non-linear or analytical processing techniques are valid only for the test signals used and conditions employed.
The purpose of BS EN 61669 is to ensure that measurements of real-ear acoustical performance characteristics of a given hearing aid on a given human ear can be replicated in other locations with other test equipment.
Who is BS EN 61669- Real-time acoustical performance evaluation of hearing aids for?
BS EN 61669 on the measurement of real-ear acoustical performance characteristics of hearing aids is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of hearing aids
- Audiologists
- Medical personnel
Why should you use BS EN 61669- Real-time acoustical performance evaluation of hearing aids?
Measuring methods that consider the acoustic coupling and the acoustic influence of the individual wearer on the performance of hearing aids are therefore important in the fitting of these devices.
Such measuring methods have come to be known as “real-ear measurements” and are sometimes performed clinically in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. The accuracy and repeatability of measurements made under such conditions are complex functions of the sound field, the test environment, the nature of the test signal, the hearing aid under evaluation, the method of test signal control, the location of the sound field source, the nature of the data acquisition, analysis, and presentation as well as the degree of subject movement permitted.
BS EN 61669 provides definitions for terms used in the measurement of real-ear performance characteristics of hearing aids, provides procedural and reporting guidelines, and identifies essential characteristics to be reported by the manufacturer of equipment used for this purpose. Acceptable tolerances for the control and measurement of sound pressure levels are indicated. Where possible, sources of error have been identified, and suggestions provided for their management.
Overall, BS EN 61669 is useful as it provides guidance on the measurements of real-ear acoustical performance characteristics of hearing aids. BS EN 61669 includes the type of hearing aid, test signal, method of equalization, test environment, signal analysis characteristics, result in analysis and presentation, degree of subject movement permitted, physical characteristics of the subject.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 61669:2016 supersedes BS ISO 12124:2001 and BS EN 61669:2001 which are withdrawn.
BS EN 61669:2016 replaces the first edition of IEC 61669:2001 and the first
edition of ISO 12124:2001. BS EN 61669:2016 constitutes a technical revision. BS EN 61669:2016 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
IEC 61669:2001 and ISO 12124:2001:
- The addition of the International Speech Test Signal as a preferred speech-like stimulus
- Definitions and test methods for the real-ear to dial difference
- Definitions and test methods for the real-ear to coupler difference
- An annex dealing with issues in the measurement and application of the real-ear to coupler difference