Ear simulator kits

The human ear is acoustically a complicated structure with volumes, channels, and damping, resulting in a complex acoustical impedance. Also, at higher frequencies, the diffraction around the outer ear will change the acoustic field and result in a unique response at the inner ear.

In order to be able to compare and quantify measurements related to the human ear, a number of international standards and recommendations have defined some “ideal” or average ears. These can be simulated by more or less complicated mechanical and acoustical systems.

The IEC 60318-1 & 2 (60318) coupler is an example of a standardized human ear, having the same acoustic input impedance as an average human ear.

Another example is IEC 60318-4 (former 60711) Occluded-ear simulator for the measurement of earphones coupled to the ear by ear inserts.

Mouth simulators are sound sources for simulating the sound field around the human mouth at close quarters and are used for testing telephone mouthpieces as well as other microphones similarly used in vocal-communication networks. They are built around a loudspeaker and deliver sound signals at a “Mouth Reference Point” in accordance with International Standards IEEE 269, 661 and ITU-T Rec. P51.