SIST EN 60118-13:2005

Electroacoustics - Hearing aids -- Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

This part of IEC 60118 covers all relevant EMC phenomena for hearing aids. EMC
phenomena, such as RF emission and electrostatic discharge, are not currently known to be a
significant problem in connection with hearing aids and are therefore not dealt with. Based on
new knowledge, they could be considered in connection with future revisions or extensions of
this standard. Hearing aid immunity to high frequency electromagnetic fields originating from
wireless telephone systems is currently identified as the only relevant EMC phenomena
regarding hearing aids. IEC 61000-4-3 is the basis for relevant EMC tests to be conducted on
hearing aids. Measurement methods and acceptance levels are described in this standard.
For the purpose of this part of IEC 60118, two immunity classes of hearing aids are defined
(see 3.1) related to their use. "Bystander compatible" is defined as a situation, which ensures
that a hearing aid is usable in environments where digital wireless devices are in operation in
the proximity of the hearing aid wearer. "User compatible" hearing aids will ensure that a
hearing aid is usable when the hearing aid wearer is using a digital wireless device at the
wearer´s own aided ear.
Measurement methods for hearing aids with non-acoustic outputs and for hearing aids
connected to other equipment by cables are not given in this standard.

Akustik - Hörgeräte -- Teil 13: Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV)

Electroacoustique - Appareils de correction auditive -- Partie 13: Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM)

S'applique à tous les phénomènes de compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) concernant les appareils de correction auditive. Elle ne concerne pas les phénomènes de CEM tels que les émissions à fréquence radioélectrique et les décharges électrostatiques qui ne sont pas habituellement reconnus comme étant un problème significatif pour les appareils de correction auditive Ces phénomènes pourront être considérés en liaison avec de futures révisions ou compléments de la présente norme, à la lumière de nouvelles connaissances. L'immunité des appareils de correction auditive aux champs électromagnétiques de haute fréquence produits par les systèmes de téléphonie sans fil est habituellement identifiée comme le seul phénomène de CEM qui concerne les appareils de correction auditive. Les essais de CEM effectués sur les appareils de correction auditive sont basés sur la EN 61000-4-3. Les méthodes de mesure et les niveaux d'acceptation sont décrits dans la présente Norme. Dans le cadre de la présente partie de la EN 60118, deux classes d'immunité concernant les appareils de correction auditive sont définies par rapport à leur utilisation. La classe compatible pour la présence est définie comme une situation qui assure que l'appareil de correction auditive est utilisable dans un environnement où les dispositifs numériques sans fil sont en fonctionnement dans le voisinage du porteur de l'appareil de correction auditive. La classe compatible pour une utilisation personnelle donne l'assurance que l'appareil de correction auditive est utilisable lorsque le porteur d'appareil de correction auditive utilise un dispositif numérique sans fil placé sur sa propre oreille appareillée. La présente Norme ne donne pas de méthodes de mesure pour les appareils de correction auditive à sortie non acoustique ni pour les appareils de correction auditive reliés à d'autres installations au moyen de câbles.

Elektroakustika – Slušni pripomočki – 13. del: Elektromagnetna združljivost (EMC) (IEC 60118-13:2004)

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2005
• Withdrawal Date: 22-Jul-2018
• ICS: 11.180.15 - Aids for deaf and hearing impaired people
• ICS: 17.140.50 - Electroacoustics
• ICS: 33.100.01 - Electromagnetic compatibility in general
• Technical Committee: SS EIT - Technical Board for the electrotechnical, information technology and telecommunications fields
• Current Stage: 9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 23-Jul-2018
• Due Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Completion Date: 23-Jul-2018
• Directive: 89/336/EEC - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Directive: 93/42/EEC - Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices
• Ref Project: EN 60118-13:2005 - Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Relations

• Replaced By: SIST EN 60118-13:2011 - Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Effective Date: 06-May-2014
• Replaced By: SIST EN 60118-13:2011 - Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Replaced By: SIST EN 60118-13:2011 - Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Replaces: SIST EN 60118-13:1998 - Hearing aids -- Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Effective Date: 29-Jan-2023
• Replaces: SIST EN 60118-13:1998 - Hearing aids -- Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Effective Date: 06-May-2014

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 60118-13:2005
01-december-2005
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60118-13:1998
(OHNWURDNXVWLND±6OXãQLSULSRPRþNL±GHO(OHNWURPDJQHWQD]GUXåOMLYRVW(0&
,(&
Electroacoustics - Hearing aids -- Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Akustik - Hörgeräte -- Teil 13: Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV)
Electroacoustique - Appareils de correction auditive -- Partie 13: Compatibilité
électromagnétique (CEM)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60118-13:2005
ICS:
11.180.15 3ULSRPRþNL]DJOXKHRVHEHLQ Aids for deaf and hearing
RVHEH]RNYDURVOXKD impaired people
17.140.50 Elektroakustika Electroacoustics
33.100.01 Elektromagnetna združljivost Electromagnetic compatibility
na splošno in general
SIST EN 60118-13:2005 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60118-13
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2005

ICS 17.140.50; 33.100.20 Supersedes EN 60118-13:1997


English version


Electroacoustics –
Hearing aids
Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
(IEC 60118-13:2004)


Electroacoustique – Akustik –
Appareils de correction auditive Hörgeräte
Partie 13: Compatibilité Teil 13: Elektromagnetische
électromagnétique (CEM) Verträglichkeit (EMV)
(CEI 60118-13:2004) (IEC 60118-13:2004)






This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2005-02-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels


© 2005 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60118-13:2005 E

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
EN 60118-13:2005 - 2 -
Foreword
The text of document 29/561/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60118-13, prepared by IEC TC 29,
Electroacoustics, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC
as EN 60118-13 on 2005-02-01.
This European Standard supsersedes EN 60118-13:1997.
It introduces a new set of requirements for use of hearing aids with mobile phones.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2006-01-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2008-02-01
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association and covers essential requirements of
EC Directive(s) 93/42/EEC. See Annex ZZ.
Annexes ZA and ZZ have been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60118-13:2004 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
- 3 - EN 60118-13:2005
Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE Where an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
1) 2)
IEC 60118-0 – Hearing aids EN 60118-0 1993
Part 0: Measurement of electroacoustical
characteristics

1) 2)
IEC 60118-2 – Part 2: Hearing aids with automatic gain EN 60118-2 1995
control circuits

1) 2)
IEC 60118-7 – Part 7: Measurement of the performance EN 60118-7 1993
characteristics of hearing aids for quality
inspection for delivery purposes

1) 2)
IEC 60126 – IEC reference coupler for the HD 305 S1 1977
measurement of hearing aids using
earphones coupled to the ear by means
of ear inserts

1) 2)
IEC 61000-4-3 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) EN 61000-4-3 2002
Part 4-3: Testing and measurement
techniques - Radiated, radio-frequency,
electromagnetic field immunity test

1) 2)
IEC 61000-4-20 – Part 4-20: Testing and measurement EN 61000-4-20 2003
techniques - Emission and immunity
testing in transverse electromagnetic
(TEM) waveguides



1)
undated reference.
2)
valid edition at date of issue.

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
EN 60118-13:2005 - 4 -
Annex ZZ
(informative)

Coverage of Essential Requirements of EC Directives
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association and within its scope the standard covers only
the following essential requirements out of those given in Annex II of the EC Directive 93/42/EEC:
– Essential Requirement I - 6
– Essential Requirement II - 9
– Essential Requirement II - 12
– Essential Requirement II - 13
Compliance with this standard provides one means of conformity with the specified essential
requirements of the Directive concerned.
WARNING: Other requirements and other EC Directives may be applicable to the products falling
within the scope of this standard.
___________

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
60118-13
INTERNATIONAL
Deuxième édition
STANDARD
Second edition
2004-11
Electroacoustique – Appareils de correction
auditive –
Partie 13:
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM)
Electroacoustics – Hearing aids –
Part 13:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
© IEC 2004 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: [phone] Telefax: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Web: www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
R
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
ɆɟɠɞɭɧɚɪɨɞɧɚɹɗɥɟɤɬɪɨɬɟɯɧɢɱɟɫɤɚɹɄɨɦɢɫɫɢɹ
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
For price, see current catalogue

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5
INTRODUCTION.9
1 Scope.13
2 Normative references.13
3 Terms and definitions .15
4 Operation and function of the product.17
5 Specification of EMC environment .17
6 Requirements for immunity.17
7 Immunity test procedures .19
8 Measurement uncertainty.25
Annex A (informative) Background for establishing test methods, performance criteria
and test levels .27
Bibliography.39
Figure 1 – Example of test arrangement for hearing aid immunity measurements using
GTEM cell.21
Figure 2 – Examples of input-output response curves at 1 000 Hz and the
determination of gain at an input level of 55 dB.23
Figure 3 – Examples of determination of IRIL by electromagnetic immunity (EMI)
testing .25
Figure A.1 – Ratio of 1 to 2 between field strength and interference level (dB).29
Figure A.2 – Example of test arrangement for hearing aid immunity measurements
using dipole antenna.35
Figure A.3 – Mobile phone antenna designs.37
Table 1 – Field strengths of RF test signals to be used to establish immunity for
bystander and user compatible hearing aids .17

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROACOUSTICS – HEARING AIDS –
Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60118-13 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 29:
Electroacoustics. It has the status of a product EMC standard in accordance with IEC
Guide 107, Electromagnetic compatibility – Guide to the drafting of electromagnetic
compatibility publications.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1997. This second
edition constitutes a technical revision. It introduces a new set of requirements for use of
hearing aids with mobile phones.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
29/561/FDIS 29/564/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 7 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
1
IEC 60118 consists of the following parts, under the general title Hearing aids:
Part 0: Measurement of electroacoustical characteristics
Part 1: Hearing aids with induction pick-up coil input
Part 2: Hearing aids with automatic gain control circuits
Part 3: Hearing aid equipment not entirely worn on the listener
Part 4: Magnetic field strength in audio-frequency induction loops for hearing aid purposes
Part 5: Nipples for insert earphones
Part 6: Characteristics of electrical input circuits for hearing aids
Part 7: Measurement of the performance characteristics of hearing aids for quality
inspection for delivery purposes
Part 8: Methods of measurement of performance characteristics of hearing aids under
simulated in situ working conditions
Part 9: Methods of measurement of characteristics of hearing aids with bone vibrator
output
Part 11: Symbols and other markings on hearing aids and related equipment
Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems
Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Part 14: Specification of a digital interface device
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
___________
1
IEC 60118-10:1986 (Ed.1), Hearing aids – Guide to hearing aid standards, was withdrawn in 2002.

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 9 –
INTRODUCTION
This revised version of this International Standard introduces specifications for EMC
requirements for user compatible hearing aids. The standard only deals with hearing aid
immunity, as experience has shown that hearing aids do not emit electromagnetic signals to
an extent that can disturb other equipment. Experience in connection with the use of hearing
aids in recent times has identified digital wireless devices, such as GSM mobile phones as
potential sources of disturbance for hearing aids. Interference in hearing aids depends on the
emitted power from the wireless telephone as well as the immunity of the hearing aid. The
performance criteria in this standard will not totally ensure hearing aid users interference- and
noise-free use of wireless telephones but will establish useable conditions in most situations.
In practice a hearing aid user, when using a wireless phone, will seek, if possible, to find a
position on the ear which gives a minimum or no interference in the hearing aid.
Hearing aids are battery powered devices, and therefore disturbances related to A.C. or D.C.
power inputs are not relevant and are therefore not considered in this standard.
Hearing aids whose output is not acoustic, e.g. cochlear implants and bone conduction
hearing aids, are not covered by this standard.
In some cases, hearing aids are connected to other equipment by cable, but this standard
does not cover common mode transients and common mode surges on such cable
connections.
Based on experience in connection with the use of hearing aids, relevant sources of
disturbance for hearing aids include low frequency radiated magnetic fields, which may
interact with the telecoil input included in some hearing aids. As the telecoil input is an
intended feature of some hearing aids, and the hearing aid therefore must have a certain
sensitivity to low frequency magnetic fields, it is not relevant to specify immunity against
disturbing low frequency magnetic fields. To avoid unintended interference from low
2)
frequency magnetic noise fields, the recommendations specified in IEC 60118-4 [1] ,
regarding specifications for induction loop systems, should be followed.
With regard to high frequency radiated electromagnetic fields originating from RF wireless
devices such as digital mobile telephone systems, only sources of disturbance which are
currently known to be a problem in connection with hearing aids are covered. Reference is
made to IEC 61000-4-3, which covers the frequency range 0,08 GHz to 3 GHz, and identifies
digital radio telephone systems operating in the frequency ranges 0,8 GHz to 0,96 GHz and
1,4 GHz to 2,0 GHz to be potential sources of interference. Future versions may add tests for
other frequency bands, as they come into more common use, e.g. Bluetooth and Universal
Mobile Telephone System (UMTS).
___________
2
Figures in square brackets refer to the bibliography.

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 11 –
For determining the immunity of hearing aids various test methods have been considered.
When a wireless telephone is used close to a hearing aid, there is an RF near-field
illumination of the hearing aid. However, validation investigations in preparing this standard
have shown that it is possible to establish a correlation between the measured far-field
immunity level and the immunity level experienced by an actual hearing aid used in
conjunction with a wireless telephone. The use of a far-field test is therefore considered
sufficient to verify and express the immunity of hearing aids. Near-field illumination of the
hearing aid i.e. by generating an RF field using a dipole antenna could however bring valuable
information during design and development of hearing aids.

---------------------- Page: 12 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 13 –
ELECTROACOUSTICS – HEARING AIDS –
Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60118 covers all relevant EMC phenomena for hearing aids. EMC
phenomena, such as RF emission and electrostatic discharge, are not currently known to be a
significant problem in connection with hearing aids and are therefore not dealt with. Based on
new knowledge, they could be considered in connection with future revisions or extensions of
this standard. Hearing aid immunity to high frequency electromagnetic fields originating from
wireless telephone systems is currently identified as the only relevant EMC phenomena
regarding hearing aids. IEC 61000-4-3 is the basis for relevant EMC tests to be conducted on
hearing aids. Measurement methods and acceptance levels are described in this standard.
For the purpose of this part of IEC 60118, two immunity classes of hearing aids are defined
(see 3.1) related to their use. "Bystander compatible" is defined as a situation, which ensures
that a hearing aid is usable in environments where digital wireless devices are in operation in
the proximity of the hearing aid wearer. "User compatible" hearing aids will ensure that a
hearing aid is usable when the hearing aid wearer is using a digital wireless device at the
wearer´s own aided ear.
Measurement methods for hearing aids with non-acoustic outputs and for hearing aids
connected to other equipment by cables are not given in this standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60118-0, Hearing aids – Part 0: Measurement of electroacoustical characteristics
IEC 60118-2, Hearing aids – Part 2: Hearing aids with automatic gain control circuits
IEC 60118-7, Hearing aids – Part 7: Measurement of the performance characteristics of
hearing aids for quality inspection for delivery purposes
IEC 60126, IEC reference coupler for the measurement of hearing aids using earphones
coupled to the ear by means of ear inserts
IEC 61000-4-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-3: Testing and measurement
techniques – Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test

---------------------- Page: 13 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 15 –
IEC 61000-4-20, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-20: Testing and measurement
techniques – Emission and immunity testing in transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waveguides
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of IEC 60118, the definitions given in IEC 60118-0, IEC 60118-7,
and IEC 61000-4-3 as well as the following apply.
3.1
hearing aid
wearable instrument intended to aid a person with impaired hearing, usually consisting of a
microphone, amplifier and earphone, powered by a low-voltage battery
NOTE Hearing aids can be placed on the body (BW), behind the ear (BTE) or in the ear (ITE).
3.2
bystander compatibility
immunity of a hearing aid that ensures it is usable in environments where digital wireless
devices are in operation in the proximity of the hearing aid wearer (2 m, see Clause A.4)
3.3
user compatibility
immunity of hearing aid that ensures that a hearing aid is usable when the hearing aid wearer
is using a digital wireless device at the wearer´s own aided ear
3.4
reference orientation (of a hearing aid)
orientation of the hearing aid with respect to the RF emitting source which corresponds to the
orientation of the hearing aid under actual use on a person facing an RF emitting source
NOTE RF exposure in the 2 orthogonal axes corresponding to the hearing aid under actual use is found to be
suitable for hearing aid immunity testing (see Annex A).
3.5
input related interference level (IRIL)
level used to characterise the immunity of the hearing aid
NOTE Acoustic IRIL is expressed relative to 20µPa in decibels, and is calculated by subtracting the gain of the
hearing aid from the level of 1 kHz signal measured at the output of the hearing aid during exposure to a 1 kHz
modulated RF field in microphone mode. The gain of the hearing aid is determined at 1 kHz using an input sound
pressure level of 55 dB.
If the hearing aid provides an additional directional microphone, the gain determined with the omnidirectional
microphone is used for determination of IRIL.
If the hearing aid provides a telecoil, the control settings used for acoustic measurement are used. Telecoil IRIL is
expressed as equivalent acoustic input r.m.s levels re 20 µPa in decibels, based on the assumption that the
magnetic field strength level re 1A/m of –20 dB is practically equivalent to the acoustic sound pressure level of
70 dB.
3)
The telecoil IRIL is calculated by subtracting the output of the hearing aid in dB minus 55 dB, from the level of
1 kHz signal measured at the output of the hearing aid during exposure to a 1 kHz modulated RF field in telecoil
mode.
Decreasing values of IRIL indicate increasing immunity.
___________
3)
Determined at –35 dB input level re 1A/m at 1kHz.

---------------------- Page: 14 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 17 –
4 Operation and function of the product
Hearing aids basically consist of a microphone, an amplifier and a small earphone (receiver).
For behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids the sound is normally fed to the ear canal by means of
an individually made ear mould (ear insert). In the ear (ITE) hearing aids have the active
circuitry located in the auditory canal.
The power source normally used is a small battery. On some hearing aids, the user can
perform some adjustments of the controls of the hearing aid, which in some cases is by
means of a remote control.
5 Specification of EMC environment
Hearing aids are used in all environments as outlined in IEC 61000-4-3.
6 Requirements for immunity
Table 1 states the field strengths of RF test signals to establish immunity for bystander and
user compatible hearing aids. Bystander compatibility shall be fulfilled as a minimum
specification, whereas user compatibility is an additional feature, which could be claimed if
the specifications are met by the hearing aid.
Table 1 – Field strengths of RF test signals to be used to establish immunity for
bystander and user compatible hearing aids
Bystander compatibility User compatibility
IRIL ≤≤≤≤ 55 dB for field strengths, IRIL ≤≤≤≤ 55 dB for field strengths,
E in V/m E in V/m
Frequency 0,08-0,8 0,8- 0,96-1,4 1,4- 2,0-3,0 0,08-0,8 0,8-0,96 0,96-1,4 1,4-2,0 2,0-3,0
range GHz 0,96 2,0
Microphone Under 3 Under 2 Under Under 75 Under 50 Under
mode consider- consider- consider- consider- consider- consider-
ation ation ation ation ation ation
Telecoil Under 3 Under 2 Under Under Under Under Under Under
a
consider- consider- consider- consider- consider- consider- consider- consider-
mode
ation ation ation ation ation ation ation ation
Directional Under 3 Under 2 Under Not Not Not Not Not
microphone consider- consider- consider- relevant relevant relevant relevant relevant
a
ation ation ation
mode
Test field strengths are given as unmodulated carrier levels.
a
If provided by hearing aid.
As sources of disturbance in the frequency range below 0,8 GHz are not known to affect
hearing aids, testing in this frequency range is not considered necessary. Requirements for
user compatibility in telecoil mode is under consideration, as wireless phones currently do not
normally provide inductive coupling. If the hearing aid provides an additional microphone input
option – directional microphone – user compatibility is not considered relevant in this position.
Bystander compatibility in telecoil mode is considered important to establish interference free

---------------------- Page: 15 ----------------------

SIST EN 60118-13:2005
60118-13 ¤ IEC:2004 – 19 –
conditions in induction loop environments, and to ensure the ability to use the telecoil as input
transducer for assistive listening devices for mobile phones, e.g. portable hands free kits.
Future versions of this standard may add tests for other frequency bands, as they come into
more common use, e.g. Bluetooth and Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS).
NOTE The requirements to generate high field strengths might drive the RF power amplifier to generate distortion.
Care should be taken to ensure that distortion does not affect the measurement results.
7 Immunity test procedures
7.1 The RF-test equipment, test configuration and test procedures as specified in
IEC 61000-4-20 shall apply. This requires that a 1 kHz 80 % sine modulation of the carrier
wave is used.
NOTE For small systems without wires (such as hearing aids) suitable GTEM cells and striplines
...