The document describes SoundcheckTM, a Windows-based system designed for comprehensive testing of hearing aids across various applications including inspections and R&D. It features one-button calibration, advanced measurement algorithms, and can perform ANSI S3.22-1996 tests in under 20 seconds. SoundcheckTM is highly configurable and integrates with existing test programs, enabling detailed analysis and accurate reporting of hearing aid performance.

1. APPLICATION NOTE
Hearing Aid Testing
System Overview
SoundCheckTM is an easily configurable, windows-
based system for efficient and comprehensive
testing of hearing aids.
Applications include:
• Incoming Inspection
• Pre and Post service evaluation
• Research and Development
• Amplifier test and measurement
• Evaluating audio performance of DSP
algorithms
Utilizing a variety of readily available hardware
and software, including anechoic test chambers,
ear couplers, microphones, and databases,
SoundCheck can measure and report all
parameters related to hearing aid test and
measurement to in-house, ANSI, IEC, JIS, and
other standards. In addition, SoundCheck can
control external devices, such as Hi-Pro or a
turntable, using RS-232, USB, or IEEE interfaces.
SoundCheck is fast for production line
measurements, performing comprehensive tests,
such as ANSI S3.22 1996, in less than 20
seconds. Test sequences can be pre-programmed advanced mathematical algorithms ensure unpar-
for simple pass/fail analysis or detailed results that alleled accuracy for measurements in both the time
can be exported to other programs for additional and the frequency domain.
processing and generating documents in
standardized formats. SoundCheck can be easily
Industry Standard Tests
integrated into existing test programs that utilize
ActiveX controls or National Instruments • Standards: ANSI S3.22-1996, IEC
LabVIEW®. One-button operation, barcode control 118-7, JIS, Chinese National Stan-
and assignable security levels give you total dard GB 7263-87
control over your production testing. • OSPL
SoundCheck also offers unrivalled flexibility for • Max OSPL
R&D applications - with SoundCheck, you are no • HFA-OSPL
longer constrained by the limitations of proprietary • Full-on gain
hardware-based systems for testing hearing aids • HFA FOG
and associated subcomponents. SoundCheck is • Reference-test gain
easily configurable, making it perfect for a labora- • Frequency-response range
tory environment where a large number of different • THD
tests need to be carried out. Tests can be selected • Equivalent Input Noise Level
from a standard library and customized test • Battery Current Drain
sequences can be programmed and modified via a • SPLITS
simple point-and-click programming interface. Any • HFA SPLITS
.wav file can be used as the input stimuli, including • Input vs. output level
sine, noise and real speech. One-button calibra- • Attack & Release Time
tion, a large number of measured data points and
450 Harrison Ave • Suite 307 • Boston • MA 02118 • Tel: (617) 556-4104 • Fax: (617) 556-4104 • email: info@listeninc.com
www.listeninc.com

2. Hearing Aid Testing
Typical System Configuration
SoundConnect
Mic Power
SoundCheck™ Supply
for Hearing Aid
Testing
PASSED
Anechoic Test Chamber
Sound
Card Input
DC Voltage
USB to Battery
connection Adapter
Sound Card Output to PC Input
to Amp Input DC Connect
Right Amp Output to Telecoil Loop Input
Hearing Aid
in coupler
Power Amplifier Left Amp Output to Speaker Input
A typical hearing aid test system consists of the SoundCheck Basic Software with optional SoundWare Hear-
ing Aid Module, computer, sound card, audio amplifier, microphone, microphone power supply, coupler and
anechoic test box (options may vary depending upon application).
Features and Benefits
One-button Calibration Limits
The entire measurement chain including Limits can easily be created from a measured
transducers, audio amplifiers, and sound sources is response by offsetting the curve in frequency,
calibrated by simply clicking on one button in amplitude, or time. When testing to a specific
SoundCheck. An external acoustic calibrator is standard, such as ANSI S3.22-1996, the limit
used to calibrate the measurement microphone, curves can float in either amplitude or frequency.
which then can be used to calibrate the anechoic
test chamber. The magnitude and phase of the test Post-processing
chamber’s sound source is equalized for a flat Optional post-processing modules allow measure-
response. Typical sound pressure variation at the ment of Attack and Release time, curve statistics
hearing aid’s microphone position is within ± 0.2dB (e.g. HFA or SPA), as well as curve arithmetic
from 100Hz to 10kHz. operations (e.g. difference curves) as required for
determining Reference-test gain.
Application-specific Modules
SoundCheck application-specific modules enable
you to create functionality specific to your
measurement needs and budget. SoundWare
modules include the Signal Generator, Voltmeter,
Oscilloscope, Spectrum (FFT), and Real Time
Analyzer. For real-time “hands-on” investigation of
hearing aid performance, the Signal Generator can
play a sine wave, a speech signal or any Windows
WAV file at a calibrated output level. The details of
the hearing aid can then be analyzed in the
frequency and/or time domain using the
Oscilloscope, FFT or Real Time Analyzer
SoundWare modules.
ANSI Test Report.
www.listeninc.com