What is PD IEC/TS 60318-7-Head and torso simulator for measuring air-conduction hearing aids about?
PD IEC/TS 60318-7 is a European standard on simulators of the human head and ear in electroacoustics that discusses the head and torso simulators for measuring air-conduction hearing aids to evaluate the hearing ability.
PD IEC/TS 60318-7 is the seventh part of a multi-part series that describes a head and torso simulator, or manikin, intended for the measurement of air-conduction hearing aids in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 16 000 Hz.
The manikin described in PD IEC/TS 60318-7 is intended for airborne acoustic measurements only.
Note: The manikin described in PD IEC/TS 60318-7 is not suitable for measurements that depend upon vibration transmission paths such as bone conduction, or for measurements requiring the simulation of bone or tissue.
PD IEC/TS 60318-7 specifies the manikin in terms of both its geometrical dimensions and its
acoustical properties. Only manikins compliant with both sets of specifications are in conformance with PD IEC/TS 60318-7.
Who is PD IEC/TS 60318-7-Head and torso simulator for measuring air-conduction hearing aids for?
PD IEC/TS 60318-7 on the head and torso simulator for measuring air-conduction hearing aids are useful for:
- Acoustic engineers
- Hearing aid manufacturers
- Hearing aid test personnel
- Occupational health and safety departments
- Risk assessment authorities
- Quality assurance departments
Why should you use PD IEC/TS 60318-7-Head and torso simulator for measuring air-conduction hearing aids?
Head and torso simulator is a simulator of a median adult human head and part of the torso extending in total from the top of the head to the waist and designed to simulate the sound pick-up characteristics and acoustic diffraction.
PD IEC/TS 60318-7 provides you with construction, geometrical dimensions of the manikin, pinna simulators for hearing aid measurements, acoustical characteristics of the manikin, and much more.
The simulator provided by PD IEC/TS 60318-7 assist you in measuring the acoustical performance of the hearing aids, hearing ability, and hearing thresholds.
With obedience and compliance to PD IEC/TS 60318-7, you can enhance the efficacy of the air-conduction hearing aids and manufacture a standardized product.
What’s changed since the last update?
PD IEC/TS 60318-7:2017 supersedes PD IEC/TS 60318-7:2011, which is withdrawn. PD IEC/TS 60318-7:2017 has made some technical changes compared to the previous edition PD IEC/TS 60318-7:2011. These include:
- The cross-sections of the head and torso and pinna simulators of the previous edition are replaced by maximum and minimum values of their geometric dimensions
- The diffuse field frequency response of the manikin is added. The usable frequency range is extended from 100 Hz - 16 000 Hz.
- In addition to the cylindrical ear canal extension, a tapered ear canal extension is added
- The relationship between tolerance interval, corresponding acceptance interval, and the maximum permitted uncertainty of measurement are given in an annex
- 3D representations of three different types of pinna simulators are given in an annex

