Standards

Assistive Listening Standards

What is a standard?

Standards are established guidelines, specifications, and criteria that define the parameters for the design, manufacturing, installation, and performance of assistive listening technologies.

These standards are developed and maintained by recognized organizations within the field, and they serve as a reference point for manufacturers, installers, and users to ensure consistency, quality, and reliability of assistive listening solutions.
Why are standards important?
Standards for assistive listening systems are essential to ensure consistency, compatibility, and accessibility across different environments.
They help guarantee that technologies perform reliably, meet user needs, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By adhering to established standards, venues and manufacturers can provide inclusive experiences that work seamlessly for people with hearing loss, regardless of the setting.
Interoperability

Standards ensure that different components and devices within an assistive listening system are compatible and can work seamlessly together.

Quality Assurance

Standards set benchmarks for the performance and quality of assistive listening systems. Adhering to these standards helps manufacturers ensure reliability, durability, and consistent performance.

Accessibility

Standards help in creating systems that provide effective and consistent support for users, promoting equal access to information and services.

Safety

Standards often include guidelines for the safety of the equipment and the environment in which it is installed. This is critical for preventing potential hazards and ensuring the well-being of users.

Regulatory Compliance

Many countries and regions have regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use of assistive listening devices. Adhering to official standards helps manufacturers and users comply with these regulations.

Consumer Confidence

Knowing that a product or system adheres to recognized standards gives consumers confidence in its performance and reliability. This is particularly important in areas where safety and functionality are critical, such as assistive technology.

Why Use Standards?
Overall, adherence to assistive listening technology standards contributes to the effectiveness, safety, and accessibility of these systems, fostering a consistent and reliable experience for individuals with hearing impairments across various environments.

IEC 60118-0:2015

Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 0
Measurement of the performance characteristics of hearing aids.
assistive listening standards

IEC 60118-4:2014+ AMD1:2017 CSV

Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 4
Induction-loop systems for hearing aid purposes – System performance requirements.
assistive listening standards
assistive listening standards

IEC62489-1:2010+ AMD1:2014+ AMD2:2017 CSV (Consolidated)

Electroacoustics - Audio-frequency induction loop systems for assisted hearing - Part 1
Methods of measuring and specifying the performance of system components.

IEC 62489-2:2014

Electroacoustics – Audio-frequency induction loop systems for assisted hearing – Part 2
Methods of calculating and measuring the low-frequency magnetic field emissions from the loop for assessing conformity with guidelines on limits for human exposure.

IEC TR 63079:2017

Code of practice for hearing-loop systems (HLS)
Gives recommendations for and guidance on the design, planning, installation, testing, operation and maintenance of a hearing-loop system (HLS) intended for communicating speech, music and/or other signals.

ETSI EN 300 422-4 V2.1.1 (2017-05)

Wireless Microphones; Audio PMSE up to 3 GHz; Part 4
Assistive Listening Devices including personal sound amplifiers and inductive systems up to 3 GHz.