Headphone, Headset & Hearing Aid Test Fixtures
The increasing demand for new features, better quality and lower prices put a constant strain on audio and hearing aid manufacturers to test and measure product performance in R&D as well as Production Line settings.
For many years Headphones/Headsets and Hearing Aids were two separate industries, but recently with the arrival of OTC Hearing Aids, a convergence of industries is taking place. This also can be seen from a testing perspective, where GRAS now services three individual, yet very related industries that share many of the same testing requirements, all with a vision to improve cost efficiency and product quality.
Our testing solutions for consumer audio, electronics and hearing aids offered by GRAS is the most extensive range available on the market. Whatever your challenge, we understand the importance of precision, accuracy and reliability in your measurement results.
HEADPHONES & HEADSETS
GRAS offers a broad suite of ready-to-use acoustic test fixtures and ear simulator kits for headphone and headset testing. Together, they cover all testing needs in the complete development and production cycle – from R&D and Quality Assurance through Production Engineering to Production Line and Quality Control.
On Ear Headphones: Earphones which enclose the pinna and seat on the surrounding surface of the head.
Headsets: Earphones applied externally to the outer ear and intended to rest on the pinna. Possibly with microphone(s) on a boom or close to the proximity of the earphone.
Ear Buds: These can be tested in different ways. Since the distance from DUT to measurement microphone is less than in the above-mentioned earphones, correct sealing becomes even more important. The main challenge is to control the depth wherein the device is being tested.
Ear Inserts: When testing deeper inserts like hearing aids and OTC devices, where the correct sealing is of high importance. For ear inserts, the DUT typically is tested as close as possible to the ear simulator and coupler reference plane.
TEST STANDARDS | TYPE OF TESTING | TEST SOLUTIONS |
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| Look at our different solutions here. |
HEARING ENHANCEMENT / OTC HEARING AIDS
Hearing enhancement devices or OTC (Over The Counter) hearing aids are becoming increasing popular and seem to combine challenges from both consumer audio and hearing aid testing. GRAS is born out of these industries and our strong DNA allow us to support this new industry segment with the most optimal test and measurement solutions that adhere to industry requirements.
TEST STANDARDS | TYPE OF TESTING | TEST SOLUTIONS |
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| Look at our different solutions here. |
HEARING AIDS
For many years, GRAS has been at the forefront of providing test solutions to hearing aid manufacturers who need to follow the IEC standards 60118 and 60318. Intelligent and adaptive hearing aid devices bring new challenges especially within measurement and testing. This includes how devices adapt to surroundings and when to shift channels to improve user experience. Whatever your need, GRAS can assist you in testing your products and hence improve life quality for your customers.
TEST STANDARDS | TYPE OF TESTING | TEST SOLUTIONS |
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| Look at our different solutions here. |
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FIND YOUR BEST TEST SOLUTION
Test and measurement solutions differ by industry, application, standards, and of course by specific use and situation. When defining the best test solution there are numerous possibilities but most solutions fall into either a Production Line or an R&D solution. Look below for the most commonly used components and start by defining your testing needs. If you need support you can always contact GRAS to help you design your most optimal test configuration.
Production Line
Production line and QC testing ensure that the actual production matches the target quality and that no sub-standard samples hit the market.
CONSIDER FOR YOUR TEST:
- Hearing Instrument Analyzer: APx511B, APx517B
- Test Rig: choose between GRAS 43Ax, 45CA or 45CC*
- Ear Simulator & Coupler: depending on the standard to follow and device under test we recommend:
- IEC60318-4:
- RA0045/45-S1 Ear Simulator to 10 kHz
- RA0401/02 Ear Simulator High Frequency to 20 kHz
- RA0403/04 Ear Simulator Hi-Res to 50 kHz
- IEC60318-1: Ear Simulator RA0039
DUT: Over-the-ear - IEC60318-5: 2cc coupler RA0038
DUT: Hearing Aid | Insert headphone | OTC HEaring Aids
- IEC60318-4:
* 45CC can be configured with optional Mouth Simulator for testing headset microphones. It can be configured with 1/2” or 1/4” microphones instead of Ear Simulators for testing Over-The-Ear and On-The-Ear.
R&D
Research and development testing and QA include all testing from early product development through design, validation and Quality Assurance (QA).
CONSIDER FOR YOUR TEST:
- Hearing Instrument Analyzer: APx511B, APx517B
- Test Rig*: choose between GRAS 43Ax, 45Bx(KEMAR), 45CA or 45CC
- Ear Simulator & Coupler: depending on the standard to follow and device under test we recommend:
- IEC60318-4:
- RA0045/45-S1 Ear Simulator to 10 kHz
- RA0401/02 Ear Simulator High Frequency to 20 kHz
- RA0403/04 Ear Simulator Hi-Res to 50 kHz
- IEC60318-1: Ear Simulator RA0039
DUT: Over-the-ear - IEC60318-5: 2cc coupler RA0038
DUT: Hearing Aid | Insert headphone | OTC HEaring Aids - IEC60318-8: 0.4cc coupler kit system GRAS 43BA**
DUT: Hearing Aid
- IEC60318-4:
* 45Bx and 45CC can be configured with Mouth Simulator. 43AG, 45Bxand 45CA can be configured with a special low-noise Ear SimulatorSystem 43BB forANC measurements.
** 0.4cc coupler kit system 43BA also available fortesting according toIEC60318-8, request information
Need a specific configuration for your test? Contact us >
GRAS Product Overview
Over the years, GRAS has developed the widest portfolio of acoustic test fixtures and microphones for customers expecting outstanding product quality, performance and durability. Consider us as your preferred partner and trusted advisor for whatever your need for capturing precise, accurate and reliable measurement data from R&D to end-of-line production.
DEVICE UNDER TEST | IDEAL FOR | SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|---|---|
GRAS 43AB |
| A complete test jig for acoustical measurements of hearing aids in accordance with IEC 60318-5 (60126) and ANSI S3.7 -1995 on insert type hearing aids. | |
GRAS 45CC |
| For dual-channel testing of headphones and headsets and is built on our vast experience in the field. With a focus on multiple configuration options and accurate, reproducible and repeatable test results, it can easily be adapted to many different headphone/headset designs and sizes. | |
GRAS 45CA |
| Provides the basis for reliable and exact measurements. It´s intended for testing the performance of hearing-protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs (supra-aural and circum-aural) but can also be used for testing sound sources such as earphones and headphones. It is fitted with either microphones or ear simulators, depending on the device to test and the standard to comply with. | |
KEMAR |
| The recognized industry-standard for in-situ anthropomorphic testing in the fields of:
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Contact one of our representatives to find the best solution.
Need support or a specific setup for your measurements test? Contact us >
DID YOU KNOW...?
Headphone Testing with 45CC: Discover the posibilities of GRAS 45CC Headphone Test Fixtures, that produce accurate and reproducible test results and can be easily adapted to many different designs and sizes of devices.
Download whitepaper >
Hearing Aid Testing with APx500: Enhance your knowledge about industry standard tests used to characterize the electro-acoustic performance of hearing aids.
Download technote >
