IEEE C63.19-2006

This standard applies to both wireless communications devices (WDs) and hearing aids. It sets forth uniform methods of measurement and parametric requirements for the electromagnetic and operational compatibility and accessibility of hearing aids used with WDs, including cordless, cellular, personal communications service (PCS) phones, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) devices, operating in the range of 800 MHz to 3 GHz. However, this version is focused on existing services, which are in common use. Accordingly, in this version tests are provided for services in the 800 MHz to 950 MHz and 1.6 GHz to 2.5 GHz frequency bands. Future versions may add tests for other frequency bands, as they come into more common use. This standard is intended to apply to all types of hearing aids with acoustic output, including, as examples, behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) types. Test methods are provided for hearing aids operating in acoustic (microphone input) mode or in T-Coil input mode. The field levels called for in various places shall be maintained within the limits for radio frequency (RF) safety, set forth in ANSI C95.1-1999.1

The purpose of this standard is to establish categories for hearing aids and for WDs that can indicate to healthcare practitioners and hearing aid users which hearing aids are compatible with which WDs and to provide tests that can be used to assess the electromagnetic characteristics of hearing aids and WDs and assign them to these categories. The various parameters required, in order to demonstrate compatibility and accessibility are measured. The design of the standard is such that when a hearing aid and WD achieve one of the categories specified, as measured by the methodology of this standard, the indicated performance is realized.

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. Revised by ANSI C63.19-2007. Uniform methods of measurement for compatibility between hearing aids and wireless communications devices are set forth.