IEC 60318-7:2022

IEC/TS 60318-7:2011(E) describes a head and torso simulator (manikin) intended for the measurement of air-conduction hearing aids in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 10 000 Hz. The device consists of a head mounted on a torso that extends to the waist. The head is equipped with simulated pinnae and with cylindrical cavities having acoustic impedance terminations and microphones located at positions corresponding to those of the eardrums in a median human adult. It has been designed to provide acoustic diffraction similar to that encountered around the median human head and torso. The device with its present pinna simulator, however, is not suitable for the measurement of all types of hearing aids. For example, most in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids cannot be measured correctly. The manikin is specified in terms of both, its geometrical dimensions and its acoustical properties. IEC/TS 60318-7:2011 has been developed as a revision of IEC/TR 60959 (1990). The main changes, as compared to the technical report, are the insertion of maximum permitted expanded measurement uncertainties and additional references in the Bibliography. A future IEC Standard which will include additional models of head and torso simulators for hearing aid measurements is planned.

IEC TS 60318-7:2017(E) 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 this document is intended for airborne acoustic measurements only. It is not suitable for measurements which depend upon vibration transmission paths such as bone conduction, or for measurements requiring the simulation of bone or tissue. This document 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 this document. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) the document is based on the designs of three different commonly used types of manikins; b) 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; c) the diffuse field frequency response of the manikin is added; d) the usable frequency range is extended to 100 Hz to 16 000 Hz; e) in addition to the cylindrical ear canal extension a tapered ear canal extension is added; f) design examples of one anatomically shaped manikin and of two different geometrically shaped manikins are given in the annexes; g) the relationship between tolerance interval, corresponding acceptance interval and the maximum permitted uncertainty of measurement are given in an annex; h) 3D representations of three different types of pinna simulators are given in an annex.