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HAC test for hearing aid compatibility

AC stands for Earing Aid Compatibility, which tests the electromagnetic compatibility of mobile phones and hearing aids. It is divided into two parts: RF and T-coil, and defines two levels of immunity: proximity compatibility and user compatibility. Mobile phones and hearing aids can cause mutual interference during use, therefore, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires testing the compatibility of mobile phones and hearing aids. The compatibility of the two modes of using hearing aids: microphone mode and telephone mode, needs to be measured. The FCC sets levels to calculate the risk of interference: T1-T4, M1-M4. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) adopts the ANSI C63.19 standard, and according to the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), every manufacturer's mobile phone must comply with HAC compatibility (M3-4 and T3-4).

 

The Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) test is conducted to ensure that wireless communication devices (such as mobile phones) are compatible with hearing aids and reduce the impact of electromagnetic interference on hearing aid users. This test is crucial for improving the communication experience of users with hearing impairments.

 

Background of HAC testing
Wireless communication devices (such as mobile phones) generate electromagnetic fields during operation, which may interfere with the normal operation of hearing aids, leading to noise or signal distortion. The HAC test aims to evaluate the compatibility between the device and hearing aids, ensuring that the device does not cause interference to hearing aid users during use.

 

HAC testing standards

HAC testing typically follows the following standards:

American standards (FCC):

The FCC requires wireless communication devices sold in the United States to meet the HAC standard.

The test includes two parts: RF Immunity and Audio Coupling.

The device will be rated as two modes, M (Microphone) and T (Telecoil), representing the compatibility of the device in microphone mode and inductive coupling mode, respectively.

International Standards (IEC):

IEC 60118-13 is a compatibility testing standard for hearing aids developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

This standard specifies the testing methods and equipment performance requirements.

Other regional standards:

Europe, Canada, Australia and other regions also have their own HAC testing requirements, usually based on FCC or IEC standards.

 

The main content of HAC testing
HAC testing is mainly divided into two parts:

RF Immunity Test:

Assess the interference of electromagnetic fields generated by the device during communication on hearing aids.

Test the electromagnetic radiation level of the equipment in different frequency bands (such as GSM, CDMA, LTE, etc.).

Use specialized testing equipment (such as HAC test head models) to simulate the receiving environment of hearing aids.

Audio Coupling Test:

Evaluate the audio transmission performance of the device in inductive coupling mode (Telecoil mode).

Test whether the magnetic field strength of the equipment is sufficient to couple with the inductive coil of the hearing aid and transmit clear audio signals.

 

Rating of HAC testing
The HAC test results are usually rated based on two indicators, M (microphone mode) and T (inductive coupling mode), and are divided into four levels:

M1/T1: Minimum compatibility, may cause significant interference to hearing aid users.

M2/T2: Medium compatibility, suitable for some hearing aid users.

M3/T3: Good compatibility, suitable for most hearing aid users.

M4/T4: Best compatibility, almost no interference to hearing aid users.

 

The process of HAC testing
Prepare testing equipment:

Use HAC test head molds and specialized testing equipment.

Ensure that the testing environment meets standard requirements (such as shielded rooms).

RF interference test:

Place the device under test near the HAC head mold and simulate a call state.

Measure the electromagnetic radiation level of the equipment at different frequency bands.

Audio coupling test:

Place the device under test near the HAC head mold and enable inductive coupling mode.

Measure the magnetic field strength and audio transmission quality of the measuring equipment.

Result analysis and rating:

Calculate the M and T ratings of the device based on test data.

Generate test reports and submit them to relevant certification bodies.

 

The significance of HAC testing
Enhance user experience:

Ensure that hearing aid users can use wireless communication devices without barriers.

Compliance with regulatory requirements:

Meet the mandatory requirements of FCC, IEC and other organizations to avoid legal risks.

Enhance market competitiveness:

Devices certified by HAC are more likely to gain user trust, especially among users with hearing impairments.

 

The Challenge of HAC Testing
Multi band compatibility:

Modern communication equipment supports multiple frequency bands (such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), and it is necessary to ensure that HAC requirements are met in all frequency bands.

Equipment design limitations:

The miniaturization and multifunctionality of equipment may increase the difficulty of HAC testing.

Testing cost:

HAC testing requires specialized equipment and a high standard testing environment, resulting in high costs.

summary
HAC testing is an important step in ensuring compatibility between wireless communication devices and hearing aids, and is of great significance for improving the communication experience of hearing-impaired users. By following relevant standards and conducting rigorous testing, equipment manufacturers can ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements while improving user satisfaction.

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