otometrics Aurical Hit User manual

AURICALHIT and the
OTOsuite HITModule
Reference Manual
Doc. No. 7-50-1150-EN/06
Part No. 7-50-11500-EN

Copyright notice
© 2012,2017GNOtometricsA/S. All rights reserved. ® Otometrics, the OtometricsIcon, AURICAL, MADSEN, ICS and HORTMANN
are registered trademarks of GNOtometricsA/S in the U.S.A. and/or other countries.
Version release date
2017-03-12 (153432)
Technical support
Please contact your supplier.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT
2

Table of Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Intended Use 5
1.2 Typographical conventions 6
1.2.1 Navigating this manual 6
2 AURICALHIT 7
2.1 Unpacking AURICALHIT 7
2.2 Installation 7
2.2.1 Connecting AURICALHIT 7
2.2.2 Initial calibration 7
2.3 The test chamber 7
2.3.1 Reference microphone 9
2.3.2 BTE adapter tube 9
2.3.3 The coupler assembly 9
2.3.4 Battery simulator 11
2.3.5 Cable groove 11
2.3.6 Elevation plate 11
2.3.7 Coupler microphone sockets 12
2.3.8 Sound absorbing foam lining 12
2.3.9 Main loudspeaker 12
2.3.10 Rear loudspeaker 12
2.3.11 The AURICALHIT lid 12
2.3.12 Telecoils 12
2.3.13 The AURICALHIT handle 13
2.4 The Accessory Box 14
3 Testing hearing instruments 15
3.1 Calibrating the reference microphone 15
3.2 Positioning the hearing instrument for testing 16
3.2.1 General guidelines for positioning the hearing instrument 16
3.2.2 Using the battery simulator 18
3.2.3 Coupler adapters 19
3.3 Traditional BTE hearing instruments 20
3.3.1 With BTE adapter tube 20
3.4 Thin-tube hearing instruments 21
3.4.1 Using the HA-1 ITE, RIE, thin-tube adapter 21
3.5 ITE hearing instruments 22
3.6 Telecoil testing 24
3.7 Hearing instruments with wireless transmitters (e.g. FM) 24
3.8 Body-worn hearing instruments 26
3.9 Testing the hearing instrument with OTOsuite HIT 26
3.9.1 How to perform a standard test 26
3.9.2 How to test the directional microphone 27
4 HIT FreeStyle testing 29
4.1 Navigating in HIT FreeStyle 29
5 Cleaning, Repair and Calibration 32
5.1 Cleaning 32
5.1.1 Cleaning the device 32
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 3

5.1.2 Cleaning accessories 32
5.2 Service and repair 33
5.2.1 Replacing/updating the reference microphone 33
5.2.2 Replacing/updating the coupler microphone 33
5.2.3 Replacing floor lining 33
5.3 Calibration 34
5.3.1 How often is calibration necessary? 34
5.3.2 Environment Report 34
Procedure 34
5.3.3 Calibrating the coupler microphone 36
5.4 The battery simulator 37
6 Troubleshooting 38
7 Standards and Safety 39
7.1 AURICALHIT 39
7.2 Warning notes 39
7.3 The OTOsuite HIT Module 40
7.4 Manufacturer 41
7.4.1 Responsibility of the manufacturer 41
8 Technical specifications 42
Index 45
4 Otometrics - AURICALHIT

1 Introduction
AURICALHIT is designed for Hearing Instrument Testing and Coupler-Based Fitting.
AURICALHIT connects via USB to a computer running the OTOsuite software.
• With the OTOsuite HITModule you can perform traditional hearing instru-
ment testing according to either the ANSI or IEC test protocols, and obtain a
consistent picture of every hearing instrument, regardless of manufacturer or
type.
• With the OTOsuite PMM Module you can perform Probe Microphone Meas-
urements in a coupler for pre-programming and pre-fitting hearing instruments
without the client being present.
Hearing instruments
It is easy to position hearing instruments on snap-on couplers inside the AURICALHIT test chamber and it is easy to access
the hearing instruments in the test chamber during test without disturbing the test setup.
The battery pill types are recognized automatically, and the reference microphone ensures reliable positioning in the test
chamber.
Directionality
The Directionality feature provides for fast measurement of directionality and quality check of the hearing instruments.
RECD
Real ear response can be recorded without having AURICALHIT at hand, and coupler-based fitting can be performed by
itself without using AURICALFreeFit.
Coupler-based fitting using RECD is a "coupler" mode as part of the PMM functionality for providing simple hearing instru-
ment fitting. Coupler-based fitting is described in the AURICALFreeFit and the Probe Microphone Measurements User
Manual.
AURICALHIT supports stored coupler values which drastically reduces the need for measuring coupler responses.
NOAH integration
AURICALHIT can operate either as a stand-alone system, or under the NOAH software, which was developed by HIMSA as a
common software platform for programming and fitting hearing instruments. NOAH integrates client records, audiological
data and the dedicated fitting modules from various hearing instrument manufacturers.
1.1 Intended Use
AURICALHIT is intended for testing purposes by audiologists, hearing instrument dispensers, and other health care pro-
fessionals in testing programmable hearing instruments.
Required qualifications
It is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of how to compare the results of the hearing instrument tests with the
specifications from the hearing instrument manufacturer and to detect typical malfunctions of the hearing instrument.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 5

1.2 Typographical conventions
The use of Warning, Caution and Note
To draw your attention to information regarding safe and appropriate use of the device or software, the manual uses pre-
cautionary statements as follows:
Warning •Indicates that there is a risk of death or serious injury to the user or patient.
Caution •Indicates that there is a risk of injury to the user or patient or risk of damage to data or the device.
Note •Indicates that you should take special notice.
1.2.1 Navigating this manual
Menus, icons and functions to select are shown in bold type, as for instance in:
• Click the Set options icon on the toolbar or select Tools >Options.
6 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
1 Introduction

2 AURICALHIT
2.1 Unpacking AURICALHIT
1. Unpack the device carefully.
When you unpack the device and accessories, it is a good idea to keep the packing material in which they were
delivered. If you need to send the device in for service, the original packing material will protect against damage dur-
ing transport, etc.
2. Visually inspect the equipment for possible damage.
If damage has occurred, do not put the device into operation. Contact your local distributor for assistance.
3. Check with the packing list to make sure that you have received all necessary parts and accessories. If your package is
incomplete, contact your local distributor.
2.2 Installation
• Place AURICALHIT on an absolutely stable surface.
• In order to exclude ambient noise and to comply with the ANSI S3.22 standard, place the system in a moderately
quiet room.
2.2.1 Connecting AURICALHIT
1. Install OTOsuite on the PC. See the OTOsuite Installation Manual.
2. Connect the USB cable from the USB socket under AURICALHIT to a USB socket in the PC. AURICALHIT is powered by
the PC.
AURICALHIT is selected automatically in OTOsuite.
If you wish to use a demo device, select Tools >Configuration Wizard. Click Configure next to AURICALHIT, and
select Demo device.
2.2.2 Initial calibration
When you have connected AURICALHIT to the PC, you must perform an initial calibration of the reference microphone.
See Calibrating the reference microphone ►15.
Calibration procedures and general recommendations about calibration are described in Calibration ►34.
2.3 The test chamber
Using AURICALHIT and positioning hearing instruments in the test chamber are described in Testing hearing instruments
►15.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 7
2 AURICALHIT

A. Reference microphone ►9
B. BTE adapter tube ►9
C. The coupler assembly ►9
D. Battery simulator ►11
E. Cable groove ►11
F. Elevation plate ►11
G. Coupler microphone sockets ►12
H. Sound absorbing foam lining ►12
I. Main loudspeaker ►12
J. Rear loudspeaker ►12
K. The AURICALHIT lid ►12
L. Telecoils ►12
8 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
2 AURICALHIT

The AURICALHIT handle ►13
(some models only)
The Accessory Box ►14
2.3.1 Reference microphone
The position of the reference microphone is easy to adjust. Make sure that the reference microphone does not come into
contact with AURICALHIT when you close the lid so that the microphone is not pushed out of place when you close the
lid for testing.
2.3.2 BTE adapter tube
The BTE adapter tube can be bent to correctly position the microphone or microphones of
the hearing instrument in relation to the main loudspeaker. It is used for verification of
BTE hearing instruments as well as for measuring the coupler portion of RECD.
The adapter tube is compliant with ANSI and IEC requirements.
2.3.3 The coupler assembly
The coupler assembly consists of the following parts:
A. Coupler adapter
B. Coupler cavity
C. Coupler microphone
Coupler adapter
The Accessory Box provides a range of adapters for easy positioning of different types of hearing instruments.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 9
2 AURICALHIT

Coupler cavity
During tests in the test chamber, the hearing instrument is connected to a 2cc coupler cavity manufactured in accordance
with the ANSI standard. Alternatively, you can use an ear simulator.
Note •The ear simulator is not ANSI or IEC compliant, and is not recommended for RECD measurements.
You can use the Coupler Type icons in the toolbar to toggle between 2cc coupler and ear sim-
ulator. The selected coupler type is saved with measurements for later reference.
Coupler microphone
The coupler microphone is located in a coupler bottom piece which must be attached to the coupler cavity.
You can use the coupler microphone either directly in AURICALHIT or in the Accessory Box.
The system automatically detects and activates the coupler microphone regardless of which setup you are using.
AURICALHIT
A. BTE testing - Low coupler position
B. ITE, RIE, thin-tube testing - High coupler position
The Accessory Box
Connect the mini-jack cable from the Accessory Box to the mini-jack socket under AURICALHIT, and insert the coupler
microphone in the microphone socket in the Accessory Box.
A. Wireless hearing instrument testing
10 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
2 AURICALHIT

The purpose of using the coupler microphone in the Accessory Box is to acoustically separate the input signal from the
hearing instrument. This makes it possible to verify the external input device independently of the hearing instrument,
and is mainly used for testing devices such as FM and Bluetooth transmitters.
2.3.4 Battery simulator
Using a battery simulator is highly recommended because it ensures that the hearing instrument is powered with the cor-
rect voltage and you avoid unnecessary battery waste for the purpose of coupler measurements.
See Using the battery simulator ►18.
2.3.5 Cable groove
Wrap the programming cable of the hearing instrument once around the
cable groove. This prevents the hearing instrument from being pulled
out of place when you close the lid for testing.
2.3.6 Elevation plate
Use the elevation plate to facilitate positioning of wireless transmitters
and body worn hearing instruments at a level where the microphone or
microphones are approximately centered in relation to the loudspeaker.
• To use the plate, lift it up from its recess and place it in the high-position coupler socket.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 11
2 AURICALHIT

2.3.7 Coupler microphone sockets
AURICALHIT
A. BTE testing - Low coupler position
B. ITE, RIE, thin-tube testing - High coupler position
2.3.8 Sound absorbing foam lining
AURICALHIT is lined with sound absorbing foam which is specifically designed to enhance the acoustic performance. Do
not remove any foam before measuring.
2.3.9 Main loudspeaker
The main loudspeaker is used for presenting regular acoustic test signals.
2.3.10 Rear loudspeaker
The rear loudspeaker presents the signal from behind the hearing instruments and is used for directional microphone test-
ing.
2.3.11 The AURICALHIT lid
The lid of AURICALHIT has a closing mechanism that prevents the lid from slamming shut, which could upset the position
of the hearing instrument for testing.
Opening the lid
To open the lid, use only one hand to lift the lid gently.
Closing the lid
To close the lid, place your hand on the lid and press gently until the closing mechanism takes over the action.
2.3.12 Telecoils
4 induction loops are fitted in AURICALHIT for testing telecoil functioning:
BTE testing ITE testing
12 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
2 AURICALHIT

2.3.13 The AURICALHIT handle
Note •This only applies to models equipped with a carrying handle.
The handle is designed for carrying AURICALHIT.
Caution •If you carry AURICALHIT by its handle, do not use your other hand to support it by the lid, as this may
cause the lid to open and squeeze your fingers.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 13
2 AURICALHIT

2.4 The Accessory Box
The Accessory Box is suited for storing coupler adapters,
battery simulators, etc., and fits in the test chamber when
not in use.
The Accessory Box serves as holder for the coupler micro-
phone for testing hearing instruments outside
AURICALHIT. See The coupler assembly ►9.
Caution •Do not place the Accessory Box inside
AURICALHIT during transportation.
14 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
2 AURICALHIT

3 Testing hearing instruments
With AURICALHIT and the OTOsuite HITModule you can test the performance of hearing instruments according to both
ANSI and IEC standards. You can also perform coupler-based fitting as described in the AURICALFreeFit and the Probe
Microphone Measurements User Manual.
Testing a hearing instrument involves the following main tasks:
1. Calibrating the reference microphone
Otometrics recommends that you calibrate the reference microphone daily or weekly. Set up the interval to suit your pur-
poses. See Calibrating the reference microphone ►15.
2. Positioning the hearing instrument
General instructions are described in
•Traditional BTE hearing instruments ►20
•Thin-tube hearing instruments ►21
•ITE hearing instruments ►22
3. Testing
When you have positioned the hearing instrument correctly, you can test it using the OTOsuite HIT module as described
in Testing the hearing instrument with OTOsuite HIT ►26, or you can perform coupler-based fitting as described in the
AURICALFreeFit and the Probe Microphone Measurements documentation.
3.1 Calibrating the reference microphone
1. Launch OTOsuite and select the HIT module in the Navigation
panel.
2. Position the microphones in the center of the test chamber.
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 15
3 Testing hearing instruments

3. Position the reference microphone (1) pointing straight down from
above and centered 1-2 millimeters above the coupler meas-
urement microphone (3).
4. During calibration the microphones must have the exact same dis-
tance to the main loudspeaker (2), along the Z axis. You can ensure
this by looking at the test chamber from the side when you adjust
the reference microphone position for calibration.
5. Close the lid.
6. Select Tools> AURICALHIT Calibration >Reference Microphone.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3.2 Positioning the hearing instrument for testing
How you position the hearing instrument for testing in the test chamber depends on the type of hearing instrument or
device you wish to test.
Regardless of form factor (the type of hearing instrument), the only two important things to remember are:
• Aligning directional microphones along the loudspeaker axis.
• Positioning the reference microphone as close as possible to the front microphone of the hearing instrument without
touching it.
Single-microphone omni mode:
If the hearing instrument is not capable of single-microphone omni mode, it is recommended that you position the
hearing instrument at a 90° angle so that the distance is the same between the AURICALHIT main loudspeaker and
the two hearing instrument microphones.This also means that you must reposition the hearing instrument in the
standard position before directional measurements are performed.
3.2.1 General guidelines for positioning the hearing instrument
The absolute position of the hearing instrument is not critical, as long as the reference microphone is correctly positioned.
You can position the hearing instrument to perform all standard hearing instrument tests without repositioning the hear-
ing instrument between the individual tests:
• acoustic measurements,
• inductive telecoil measurements,
• directional microphone test.
1. Positioning the hearing instrument
– Angle or turn the hearing instrument so that the front microphone (1) faces the main loudspeaker as it would
when worn on a person’s ear.
16 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
3 Testing hearing instruments

– Position the hearing instrument so that a line through the front and rear directional microphones coincide with
the loudspeaker axis.
BTE Thin tube and RIE ITE
2. Positioning the reference microphone
– As a rule of thumb, position the reference microphone as close as possible to the front microphone of the hearing
instrument without actually touching it.
Maximum permitted distances are:
Vertically (Y axis) 8mm (above)
Sideways (X axis) ±12mm
Back-to-front (Z axis) ±3mm
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 17
3 Testing hearing instruments

BTE Thin tube
ITE
3.2.2 Using the battery simulator
1. Select a battery simulator and insert it in the hearing instrument.
With AURICALHIT you receive a set of color-coded battery simulators, which are used to power the hearing instru-
ment. They are also used as probes for measuring the power consumption.
Color code Size IEC ANSI
Red 5 PR63 7012ZD
18 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
3 Testing hearing instruments

Color code Size IEC ANSI
Yellow 10 PR70 7005ZD
Brown 312 PR41 7002ZD
Orange 13 PR48 7000ZD
Blue 675 PR44 7003ZD
The metal strip between the battery simulator and the handle fits between the battery door and the hearing instru-
ment casing.
2. Insert the mini-jack connector of the battery simulator in the bat-
tery simulator socket in the test chamber.
AURICALHIT automatically detects the battery simulator.
Caution •When you have connected the battery simulator, make
sure that it does not touch other metal parts as this may short-
circuit the system.
3.2.3 Coupler adapters
Adapters for use with the coupler are snapped onto the coupler cavity.
The adapters in the Accessory Box make it easy to position hearing instru-
ments in the test chamber for testing
• HA-2 (BTE)
Traditional BTE hearing instruments ►20
• HA-1 (ITE, RIE, thin-tube)
Thin-tube hearing instruments ►21 and ITE hearing instruments ►22
•Thin-tube hearing instruments ►21
Otometrics - AURICALHIT 19
3 Testing hearing instruments

To fix the hearing instrument on the adapter, snap the adapter off the coupler cavity, and attach the hearing instrument to
the adapter outside the test chamber.
3.3 Traditional BTE hearing instruments
This procedure applies to any type of standard BTE hearing instruments with traditional ear molds.
Positioning the hearing instrument for directional testing is described in General guidelines for positioning the hearing
instrument ►16.
3.3.1 With BTE adapter tube
1. Attach the BTE adapter tube to the tube stub on the HA-2 BTE adapter.
The tube must completely cover the tube stub on the adapter.
If a metal wire protrudes from the BTE adapter tube, turn the tube
upside down or use a new one.
2. Attach the hearing instrument to the free end of the BTE adapter tube
so that the metal wires in the tube align with the sides of the hearing
instrument.
3. Click the adapter with hearing instrument into place on the coupler and
place the coupler in the low position in AURICALHIT.
.
20 Otometrics - AURICALHIT
3 Testing hearing instruments