IEC 60118-13:2019

Overview

IEC 60118-13:2019 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements and measurement methods for electromagnetic immunity of hearing aids to mobile digital wireless devices. This standard addresses the critical electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges faced by hearing aids in environments where digital wireless devices, such as mobile phones, emit high-frequency electromagnetic fields.

The fifth edition of this standard, published in 2019, replaces the previous 2016 edition and introduces a revised measurement method along with updated EMC immunity requirements. Notably, generic EMC requirements for hearing aids are now excluded from this part and are expected to be covered by other relevant standards. IEC 60118-13:2019 ensures that hearing aids maintain reliable function and minimize interference when used in proximity to modern wireless technology.

Key Topics

• Electromagnetic Immunity: The standard defines immunity requirements for hearing aids against radiated radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile digital wireless devices.
• Measurement Methods: Includes detailed test procedures using far-field test setups such as GTEM cells and dipole antennas to simulate the electromagnetic environment created by mobile wireless devices near hearing aids.
• Performance Criteria: Establishes compliance criteria to quantify acceptable levels of interference and noise, ensuring hearing aids provide clear audio output without disruption.
• Test Setup and Positioning: Specifies hearing aid positioning during tests for various types such as Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE) models, simulating real-world use conditions.
• Technical Updates: Incorporates field strength levels consistent with IEEE C63.19 and ANSI C63.19 to reflect current wireless device usage and hearing aid technology.
• Exclusion of Generic EMC Requirements: While focused on immunity to mobile devices, other EMC aspects must be referred to in accompanying standards.

Applications

IEC 60118-13:2019 applies directly to manufacturers, designers, and testing laboratories involved in the development and certification of hearing aids. The standard supports:

• Hearing Aid Manufacturers: Ensuring new models meet electromagnetic immunity requirements improves user experience by minimizing interference from mobile phones and other wireless devices.
• Certification Bodies: Provides a harmonized framework for assessing hearing aid EMC performance, assisting in compliance verification.
• Healthcare Providers: Helps audiologists and hearing care professionals recommend products that perform reliably in wireless device-rich environments.
• Wireless Device Developers: Offers guidance on coexistence considerations by highlighting potential interference mechanisms with hearing aids.
• Consumers: Ultimately benefits hearing aid users by enhancing device functionality and reducing audio interference during daily activities involving mobile communication.

Related Standards

• IEC 60118 Series: Covers various aspects of electroacoustics related to hearing aids, such as performance measurement and acoustic characteristics.
• IEEE C63.19: Recommended practices for RF immunity in hearing aids, closely aligning with the updated immunity field strengths and testing protocols in IEC 60118-13.
• ANSI C63.19: American National Standard complementary to IEEE C63.19 offering guidance on hearing aid compatibility with wireless devices.
• Other EMC Standards: Generic electromagnetic compatibility standards applicable to medical and electroacoustic devices that complement the immunity requirements specified in IEC 60118-13.

Summary

IEC 60118-13:2019 plays a vital role in the domain of hearing aid technology by defining internationally recognized requirements and methods for evaluating electromagnetic immunity against mobile digital wireless devices. This standard ensures that hearing aids continue to provide high-quality auditory assistance without degradation caused by electromagnetic interference. Compliance with IEC 60118-13 strengthens product reliability, user satisfaction, and market acceptance in an increasingly wireless digital environment. It is an essential reference for all stakeholders aiming to optimize hearing aid performance in the context of modern communication technologies.