ANSI C63.19-2019 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE/ANSI C63.19-2019 — American National Standard: Methods of Measurement of Compatibility Between Wireless Communications Devices and Hearing Aids. The standard defines uniform laboratory measurement methods, test setups and acceptance metrics for assessing both radio-frequency (RF) interference and telecoil coupling between wireless handsets/devices and hearing aids.

Abstract

C63.19-2019 establishes repeatable measurement procedures and performance metrics to determine compatibility between hearing aids and wireless communications devices. It covers measurement of radiated and conducted interference that can affect hearing-aid microphones (M-ratings), and the magnetic coupling/telecoil performance (T-ratings), including reference test fixtures, reference hearing aids and scoring/threshold criteria used to assign compatibility ratings.

General information

• Status: Active / Revision standard (current edition published 2019).
• Publication date: 19 November 2019.
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as an American National Standard (ANSI designated).
• ICS / categories: ICS 11.180.15 (Aids for deaf and hearing impaired people); ICS 33.070.01 (Mobile services).
• Edition / version: 2019 edition (revises C63.19-2011).
• Number of pages: Approximately 125 pages (published PDF length commonly listed as 125 pages; redline/annotated versions may be longer).

Scope

The standard applies to both hearing aids and wireless communications devices (including mobile handsets and other RF devices) and specifies laboratory measurement methods to quantify two main types of compatibility: magnetically coupled telecoil performance (T) and immunity of microphone/electronic circuits to RF interference (M). It defines reference test configurations, instrumentation, criteria for assigning M and T ratings, and guidance for measurement uncertainty and reporting. The goal is to provide manufacturers, test laboratories and regulators a uniform basis for declaring and comparing hearing-aid compatibility.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of M (microphone/RF interference immunity) and T (telecoil/magnetic coupling) measurement methods and rating thresholds.
• Reference test fixtures and standardized reference hearing-aid simulators for repeatable measurements.
• Test setups for radiated and conducted emissions, test signal specifications and measurement instrumentation requirements.
• Procedures for assigning M and T ratings, including pass/fail criteria and reporting formats.
• Guidance on measurement uncertainty, environmental conditions and calibration requirements for labs.

Typical use and users

Primary users include wireless device manufacturers (handsets, wearables, IoT devices), hearing-aid and cochlear-implant manufacturers, independent test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, and regulatory agencies (for HAC compliance and labeling). Procurement teams and accessibility officers use the standard to compare device HAC performance. Test houses use the methods to produce reproducible M/T ratings for product datasheets and regulatory filings.

Related standards

Related documents include earlier editions of C63.19 (2001, 2006, 2007, 2011), related IEEE EMC and measurement standards referenced within C63.19 (for example IEEE 1309 calibration guidance and other measurement-method standards), and regulatory HAC requirements used by national agencies (e.g., FCC HAC rules use ANSI C63.19 methods as a technical reference in many contexts).

Keywords

hearing aid compatibility, HAC, ANSI C63.19-2019, M-rating, T-rating, telecoil, RF immunity, wireless communications device testing, reference hearing aid, electromagnetic compatibility.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/IEEE C63.19-2019 is the American National Standard that specifies laboratory measurement methods and rating procedures to assess compatibility between hearing aids and wireless communications devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement procedures for two compatibility domains: interference/immunity affecting hearing-aid microphones (M-ratings) and magnetic/telecoil coupling (T-ratings). It also details reference equipment, test fixtures, measurement uncertainty and reporting.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Wireless-device manufacturers, hearing-aid makers, independent test labs, regulators and procurement/accessibility specialists use C63.19-2019 for design verification, conformity assessment and HAC labeling.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019 edition is the current revision of ANSI C63.19 and it supersedes the 2011 edition. Stakeholders should verify if later amendments or newer editions have been published after 2019 before relying on the standard for new compliance activities.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: C63.19 is part of the broader IEEE/ANSI C63 family of standards addressing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio-frequency measurement techniques; it specifically focuses on hearing-aid compatibility topics within that family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HAC, hearing aid compatibility, M-rating, T-rating, telecoil, reference hearing aid, RF immunity, ANSI C63.19-2019.