Chapter 3
15
Automated Test Sequences
3.1 The ANSI Sequence
The ANSI test sequence allows you to test hearing aids according to the ANSI
S3.22 standard. You can use the ANSI test to control the quality of the hearing
aids that you dispense. Compare the manufacturer’s specifications with your
own ANSI measurements of an aid. If they do not conform within expected tol-
erances, you can contact the manufacturer.
There are two versions of the ANSI S3.22 standard on the FP35 analyzer: ANSI
96 and ANSI 03. As of the printing of this manual, ANSI 96 is the current stan-
dard to which the FDA requires hearing aid manufacturers to label their hearing
aids. ANSI 03 will eventually replace this standard, but the date of the switch-
over is not yet known.
The [F4] or [F5] key in the Opening screen is normally used for entering the
ANSI 96 screen. Press whichever key is labeled as “ANSI 96.”
To switch between ANSI 96 and ANSI 03, first enter the ANSI test screen
by using either [F4] or [F5] from the Opening screen: select the function key
labeled either ANSI 96 or ANSI 03. From the ANSI screen, push [MENU] to
open the local menu. Use [
5
,
6
] to select ANSI TEST and [
3
,
4
] to switch
between S3.22-1996 and S3.22-2003.
After switching between the standards,
you must press [MENU] twice to update the local menu if you want to make
any further menu changes.
3.1.1 Setting up for ANSI testing
The hearing aid controls must be set to conform with ANSI requirements for the
test results to be valid.
1. Set the controls on the aid (except for the compression controls) to give the
greatest possible output and gain.
2. Set the aid for the widest frequency response range.
3. For ANSI 96, set AGC aids to achieve the greatest possible compression or as
otherwise specified by the manufacturer. For ANSI 03, set the compression
controls to have minimum effect or as specified by the manufacturer.
4. If you are testing a digital hearing aid, put it in “test” mode if possible.
5. Set the gain control to full-on.
6. Set the aid up in the sound chamber as usual.