DKE German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE
DIN EN 60118-13
; VDE 0750-11:2012-02
Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 13: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) (IEC 60118-13:2011); German version EN 60118-13:2011
Akustik - Hörgeräte - Teil 13: Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV) (IEC 60118-13:2011); Deutsche Fassung EN 60118-13:2011
Overview
This part of DIN EN 60118 covers, in principle, 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 the standard. Hearing aid immunity to high frequency electromagnetic fields originating from digital wireless devices operating in the frequency ranges 0,8 GHz to 0,96 GHz and 1,4 GHz to 2,48 GHz is currently identified as the only relevant EMC phenomenon regarding hearing aids. Standard 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 part of IEC 60118. For the purpose of this part of IEC 60118, two immunity classes of hearing aids are defined related to their use. "Bystander compatible" 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 ensure that a hearing aid is usable when the wearer is using a digital wireless device at the wearer's own aided ear. The responsible committee is Joint Subcommittee GUK 821.6 "Hörgeräte und audiometrische Messtechnik" ("Hearing aids and audiometric measurements") of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.