Technology and market trends

Rapid development in digital measurement, wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, manufacturing techniques, miniaturisation and wearable technologies, offer increased capabilities and more sophistication in general sound measuring instrumentation, and in audiometry and hearing aids.

The advent of automated methods of testing and calibration also have a key role to play, and newer digital designs may mean that in practice reduced test procedures are possible without detriment to quality assurance.

Hence the international standards require continuous revision and updating to ensure specifications and test procedures remain appropriate and fit-for-purpose.

New technologies are continually evolving, for example Bluetooth LE is driving new standardisation requirements for hearing aids and the emergence of MEMS microphone-base measurement systems create a set of new considerations for conformance testing. The Committee needs to ensure that as these technologies start to become mainstream, standardisation keeps pace with introduction of new products and systems, and their usage.

A current growth area, made possible by advances in technology, is the use of modular measuring systems. These are often multi-channel and PC based. Development of new and existing standards is required to ensure that fit-for-purpose specifications and appropriate testing regimes are provided for these systems.

Market trends are broadly in line with the technology trends mentioned above, which are often enabling greater flexibility, more customisation and enhanced functionality of devices, whilst maintaining a static cost base. Similarly miniaturisation in hearing aids and other areas has progressed considerably over recent years, and although some further change may occur the usability of devices will continue to be a key factor.