Overview
IEC 63087-1:2021 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on assistive listening devices and systems for active assisted living (AAL). Specifically, it sets the general requirements and methods of measurement for the electroacoustic performance of personal listening systems used to provide assistive listening in various audio, video, and multimedia environments. The standard is designed to support users who experience hearing difficulties but are not users of hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, which are regulated as medical devices, personal listening systems covered by IEC 63087-1 are non-medical equipment intended to enhance audio accessibility. Important exclusions include devices completely worn in or on the ear that cannot be measured independently, such as conventional hearing aids.
Key Topics
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Scope of Application: The standard applies to personal listening systems that improve audibility in environments where sound sources are otherwise difficult to hear. These include various multimedia systems and dedicated assistive listening equipment.
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Assistive Listening Devices: Devices covered include personal listeners, audio amplifiers, and dedicated systems designed to relay audio signals clearly and effectively to users, often in the presence of background noise.
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Audio Sources: The document outlines typical audio sources for assistive listening – from televisions and public address systems to multimedia players – with references to IEC standards for measurement methods when available.
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Performance Requirements:
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) control to protect users' hearing.
- Frequency response standards to ensure clear, natural sound.
- Limits on distortion and internally generated noise to preserve audio quality.
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Accessibility & Ease of Use:
- Requirements address both user-controlled and non-user-controlled systems.
- Emphasis on usability aspects important for individuals with hearing challenges.
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Exclusions: The standard does not cover hearing aids or devices fully worn on/in the ear that are inseparable during measurement.
Applications
IEC 63087-1:2021 facilitates the development and deployment of assistive listening solutions in diverse settings where sound clarity and accessibility impact user experience, including:
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Active Assisted Living: Enabling elderly or hearing-impaired individuals to access audio content effectively for improved autonomy and quality of life.
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Home Entertainment: Enhancing television and multimedia system audio for users not seated near speakers or experiencing hearing difficulties.
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Public and Educational Venues: Improving audio clarity in theaters, transport hubs, lecture halls, and meeting rooms where ambient noise or distance may reduce audibility.
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Communication Support: Assisting in one-to-one conversations or group discussions where assistive listening technology supports comprehension.
By establishing core technical criteria and measurement methods, this standard ensures interoperability, safety, and consistent performance across assistive listening products and systems.
Related Standards
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IEC 63087-2: Specifies detailed methods of measurement and performance criteria for personal listening systems, complementing IEC 63087-1.
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IEC 60118 Series: Defines requirements related to hearing aid performance, focusing on medical device aspects excluded from IEC 63087-1's scope.
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IEC 60601 Series: Covers safety standards for medical electrical equipment including hearing aids.
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ISO and IEC Electropedia: Provides the terminology and definitions used in standardization, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Keywords: IEC 63087-1, assistive listening devices, active assisted living, personal listening systems, electroacoustic performance, accessibility, hearing support technology, multimedia audio systems, audio amplifiers, audio accessibility standards.
Open preview (PDF)Assistive listening devices and systems for active assisted living - Part 1: General
