ISO 389-6-2007 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 389-6:2007 — Acoustics — Reference zero for the calibration of audiometric equipment — Part 6: Reference threshold of hearing for test signals of short duration. This part of ISO 389 gives standardized reference threshold levels for brief test signals (for example clicks and tone-bursts) used when calibrating audiometric equipment.

Abstract

Specifies reference hearing-threshold levels for test signals of short duration to be used in the calibration of audiometers and related audiometric equipment. It provides the standardized baseline values and notes on corrections needed for different repetition rates and measurement couplers where applicable.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in periodic review).
• Publication date: July 2007 (published 2007-07).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.140 (Noise with respect to human beings).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2007).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (ISO edition).

Scope

This part of ISO 389 specifies reference hearing-threshold levels for test signals of short duration applicable to the calibration of audiometric equipment where such signals are used. It addresses clicks and brief tone-bursts and gives information on corrections for different repetition rates and measurement arrangements (for example head-and-torso vs. ear-simulator measurements) where relevant.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized reference threshold levels for short-duration audiometric signals (clicks, tone-bursts).
• Requirements and guidance for applying corrections for different repetition rates and measurement couplers or head-and-torso setups (informative annexes provide background and derivation notes).
• Normative linkage to electroacoustic measurement standards and ear/earphone simulators used for calibration (references to IEC couplers and test-signal standards are used to ensure reproducible measurements).
• Guidance on test conditions and measurement uncertainty relevant to calibration of devices that use brief test signals.

Typical use and users

Used by calibration laboratories, audiometer manufacturers, clinical audiology services, hearing-research laboratories, and national standards bodies to calibrate and verify audiometric equipment that presents short-duration test signals. It is referenced when producing calibration procedures, test reports, and when establishing traceability for audiometric measurements.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 389 series (other parts include ISO 389-1, ISO 389-2, ISO 389-3, ISO 389-5, ISO 389-7, ISO 389-8, ISO 389-9, etc.). It is also commonly used together with electroacoustic standards for short-duration signals and ear/earphone simulators (for example IEC 60645-3 and the IEC 60318 series) when performing calibrations and measurements. ISO 389-1 (reference RETSPLs for pure tones and supra-aural earphones) and ISO 389-9 (preferred test conditions) are the nearest companion documents in the series.

Keywords

audiometric calibration; reference threshold; short-duration signals; clicks; tone-bursts; RETL (reference threshold levels); audiometer calibration; IEC 60645-3; IEC 60318; ISO 389 series; audiology calibration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 389-6:2007 defines standardized reference hearing-threshold levels for short-duration test signals used when calibrating audiometric equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers reference threshold levels for brief acoustic test signals (e.g., clicks and tone-bursts), information on corrections (e.g., for repetition rate and measurement arrangement), and informative annexes describing derivation and measurement considerations for short signals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Calibration laboratories, audiometer and transducer manufacturers, clinical audiologists, hearing-research labs, and standards organizations involved in instrument calibration and audiometric test procedures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 389-6:2007 is the published (first) edition from July 2007 and, following ISO’s systematic reviews, the edition has been confirmed as the current version in ISO’s review record (last formal confirmation noted in 2021). Users should check national/adopted versions or ISO for any amendments or future revisions before purchase or application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 6 of the ISO 389 series (Reference zero for the calibration of audiometric equipment). Other parts address pure tones, insert earphones, bone vibrators, high-frequency RETSPLs, free-field conditions, circumaural earphones, and preferred test conditions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Audiometric calibration, short-duration signals, clicks, tone-bursts, reference threshold levels, RETSPL/RETL, audiometer, IEC 60645-3, IEC 60318, ISO 389 series.