ANSI ASA S3.35-2010 (2015) PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/ASA S3.35-2010 (Reaffirmed 2015) — Method of measurement of performance characteristics of hearing aids under simulated real‑ear working conditions. This standard specifies test methods that include the acoustical effects of a simulated median adult wearer (manikin and ear simulator) when measuring hearing‑aid performance, providing procedures for obtaining aided gain, insertion gain and directional characteristics under controlled, simulated real‑ear conditions.

Abstract

The document describes techniques for measuring hearing aids using a standard manikin and ear simulator to represent a typical wearer, defines acoustical requirements for the test space and manikin placement, presents methods to control incident sound level, and provides procedures to obtain simulated real‑ear aided output, simulated insertion gain and directional response (including calculation of the directivity index). The methods give information on parameters considered important for evaluating hearing‑aid performance as normally worn.

General information

• Status: Published 2010; reaffirmed (R2015). Later revised and issued as ASA/ANSI S3.35:2021 (subsequent edition).
• Publication date: 2010 (original publication Feb 25, 2010) — reaffirmed 2015.
• Publisher: Acoustical Society of America (ASA) / American National Standards Institute (ANSI) coordination.
• ICS / categories: 17.140 — Acoustics and acoustic measurements.
• Edition / version: ANSI/ASA S3.35-2010 (R2015).
• Number of pages: 49 pages (typical published PDF/print length).

Scope

This standard describes test methods that include the acoustical effects of a simulated median adult wearer on hearing‑aid performance. It covers two classes of measurements: direct simulated real‑ear aided measurements (sound pressure developed by a hearing aid in an ear simulator for a given free‑field input) and insertion measurements (difference between sound pressures in the ear simulator with and without the hearing aid). The procedures are intended to determine acoustical assistance provided by the device under simulated wearing conditions; they are not intended as routine quality control tests. Results may differ from measurements on individual persons because of anatomical variability.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of a standard manikin and ear simulator for simulated real‑ear measurements.
• Procedures to obtain simulated insertion gain and simulated real‑ear aided output sound‑pressure level (including measurements at high input levels such as 90 dB SPL).
• Methods for measuring directional response (azimuth and elevation) and calculation of the directivity index.
• Requirements for test space acoustics, manikin positioning, and control of incident sound field level.
• Normative and informative annexes covering higher‑density directional measures and justification/averaging methods for directivity indices.

Typical use and users

Used by hearing‑aid manufacturers, acoustical test laboratories, product development and validation teams, certification bodies, and regulatory reviewers to characterize hearing‑aid performance under simulated real‑ear conditions. The standard is also referenced in regulatory contexts when acoustic performance and labeling of hearing aids are evaluated.

Related standards

Closely related standards include IEC/TR 60118‑8 / IEC 60118‑8 methods for measurement of hearing aids under simulated conditions, ANSI/ASA S3.22 (specification of hearing aid characteristics), ANSI S3.6 (audiometer specifications) and other acoustical terminology and measurement standards referenced in the annexes. These documents complement S3.35 by covering electroacoustic measurement methods, terminology, and device specifications.

Keywords

hearing aid; simulated real‑ear; manikin; ear simulator; insertion gain; aided output; directivity index; directional characteristics; acoustical measurements; ASA S3.35.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/ASA S3.35-2010 (R2015) is an American National/ASA standard that specifies methods to measure hearing‑aid performance using a manikin and ear simulator to simulate real‑ear wearing conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for measuring simulated real‑ear aided output, simulated insertion gain, directional response as a function of azimuth and elevation, calculation of directivity index, test space and manikin positioning requirements, and related measurement practices.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Hearing‑aid manufacturers, R&D and validation laboratories, acoustical engineers, conformity assessment bodies, and regulatory reviewers use the standard to produce comparable, repeatable measurements of hearing‑aid performance in simulated wearing conditions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The S3.35-2010 document was reaffirmed in 2015 (R2015). It has subsequently been revised and issued as ASA/ANSI S3.35:2021; users requiring the most current technical content should consult the 2021 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — S3.35 belongs to the ASA S3 series of acoustical and hearing‑aid related standards and is cross‑referenced with other S3 standards (terminology, audiometer and hearing‑aid characteristic standards) and related international standards on hearing‑aid measurement.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: hearing aid, simulated real‑ear, insertion gain, aided output, directivity index, manikin, ear simulator, acoustical measurements.