Hearing aids-acoustic and EMC test methods/standards

A general requirement standard for hearing aids regarding the medical devices directive is being prepared at the moment. The basis of this standard (EN 50220) is the IEC 118 series of standards, which are widely used for documenting the electroacoustic performance of hearing aids. In 1995 standardisation initiatives were taken to include measurements and classification of hearing aids with regard to Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) in the IEC 118 series of standards. This paper describes the technical aspects of the IEC hearing aid test standards.