Hearing aids - Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems

Applies to plugs and connector systems for hearing aids and specifies the dimensions and their tolerances for ensuring interchangeability.

Hörgeräte - Teil 12: Maße elektrischer Steckverbindersysteme

Appareils de correction auditive - Partie 12: Dimensions des connecteurs électriques

S'applique aux prises et aux connecteurs destinés aux appareils de correction auditive et donne des informations sur les dimensions et les tolérances essentielles pour garantir l'interchangeabilité.

Hearing aids -Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems (IEC 60118-12:1996)

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
17-Oct-1996
Withdrawal Date
30-Jun-1997
Technical Committee
CLC/SR 29 - Electroacoustics
Drafting Committee
IEC/TC 29 - IEC_TC_29
Parallel Committee
IEC/TC 29 - IEC_TC_29
Current Stage
6060 - Document made available - Publishing
Start Date
18-Oct-1996
Completion Date
18-Oct-1996

Relations

Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026
Effective Date
03-Feb-2026

Overview

EN 60118-12:1996, published by the CLC, specifies the dimensional requirements and tolerances for electrical connector systems used in hearing aids. This European Standard ensures that plugs and socket systems for hearing aids are fully interchangeable, which promotes consistent compatibility among hearing aid devices and accessories from different manufacturers. By setting clear dimensional guidelines, EN 60118-12:1996 supports the effective integration, maintenance, and optimization of hearing aid systems.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Purpose

    • Applies to electrical plugs and connectors intended for hearing aids.
    • Defines dimensional requirements and tolerances to guarantee interchangeability between devices.
  • Types of Connector Systems

    • Rectangular connectors:
      • Two-terminal polarized plug (commonly for earphones)
      • Three-terminal plugs (polarized or unpolarized, for varied applications)
    • Circular connectors (details provided in informative annex):
      • Three, four, and five-terminal plug and socket systems
      • Longer pin often recommended for use as ground connection
  • Interchangeability

    • Ensures that connectors from various manufacturers can work together, reducing incompatibility risks.
    • Facilitates repairs, replacements, and upgrades in hearing aid systems.
  • Dimensions and Tolerance

    • Specifies nominal, minimum, and maximum dimensions for connectors.
    • Provides tolerancing to maintain performance and reliability.

Applications

EN 60118-12:1996 is essential for:

  • Hearing Aid Manufacturers

    • Designing plugs and connectors that meet standard dimensions, ensuring device interoperability.
    • Supporting innovation in hearing aid technology while maintaining compatibility.
  • Accessories and Components

    • Ensuring that external earphones, input devices, and programming adapters fit and function across standardized hearing aids.
  • Service and Repair

    • Enabling efficient maintenance and servicing by ensuring that standardized connectors simplify component replacement.
  • Clinical and User Benefits

    • Allowing clinicians and hearing aid users to combine devices and accessories from different brands without compatibility issues.
    • Reducing inconvenience and costs associated with custom cables or proprietary connectors.

Related Standards

EN 60118-12:1996 is closely related to several other international standards in the field of hearing aids and electrical connectors:

  • EN 60118 Series: Covers a range of standards for hearing aids, including performance, safety, and testing.
  • IEC 60118-6: Specifies characteristics of electrical input circuits for hearing aids, referenced for applications of three-terminal connectors.
  • IEC 60083 / IEC 60320: Standards that cover general requirements for electrical plugs, sockets, and connector systems, offering complementary specifications.

By aligning with EN 60118-12:1996 and its related standards, manufacturers and service providers ensure that hearing aid connector systems are safe, reliable, and user-friendly, further supporting accessibility and quality in assistive hearing technology.

Keywords: hearing aid connectors, plug dimensions, connector interoperability, audio assistive devices, EN 60118-12, standardization, CLC, IEC 60118-12, electrical sockets for hearing aids, hearing aid accessories compatibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 60118-12:1996 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Hearing aids - Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems". This standard covers: Applies to plugs and connector systems for hearing aids and specifies the dimensions and their tolerances for ensuring interchangeability.

Applies to plugs and connector systems for hearing aids and specifies the dimensions and their tolerances for ensuring interchangeability.

EN 60118-12:1996 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 17.140.50 - Electroacoustics; 31.220.10 - Plug-and-socket devices. Connectors. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 60118-12:1996 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 60118-14:1998, EN IEC 60118-0:2024, EN 60118-6:1999. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 60118-12:1996 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Hearing aids -Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems (IEC 60118-12:1996)Hörgeräte -- Teil 12: Maße elektrischer SteckverbindersystemeAppareils de correction auditive -- Partie 12: Dimensions des connecteurs électriquesHearing aids -- Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systems31.220.10Plug-and-socket devices. Connectors11.180.15Aids for deaf and hearing impaired peopleICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 60118-12:1996SIST EN 60118-12:2002en01-september-2002SIST EN 60118-12:2002SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
NORMEINTERNATIONALECEIIECINTERNATIONALSTANDARD118-12Première éditionFirst edition1996-09Ó CEI 1996
Droits de reproduction réservés
¾ Copyright - all rights reservedAucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite niutilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé,électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et lesmicrofilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur.No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilizedin any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,including photocopying and microfilm, without
permissionin writing
from the publisherBureau central de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
3, rue de Varembé
Genève, Suisse Commission Electrotechnique Internationale International Electrotechnical
CommissionCODE PRIXPRICE CODEPour prix, voir catalogue en vigueurFor price, see current
catalogueLAppareils de correction auditive –Partie 12:Dimensions des connecteurs électriquesHearing aids –Part 12:Dimensions of electrical connector systemsSIST EN 60118-12:2002

118-12 ã IEC:1996- 3 -CONTENTSPageFOREWORD.5Clause1Scope.72Overview of connector systems.7Tables 1 to 4.7Figures 1 to 9.11Annex A – Recommended use of circular connector systems.21SIST EN 60118-12:2002

118-12 ã IEC:1996- 5 -INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION_____________HEARING AIDS –Part 12: Dimensions of electrical connector systemsFOREWORD1)The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardizationcomprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is topromote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronicfields. To this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Theirpreparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealtwith may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizationsliaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between thetwo organizations.2)The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, aninternational consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representationfrom all interested National Committees.3)The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in theform of standards, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National Committees in thatsense.4)In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC InternationalStandards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Anydivergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearlyindicated in the latter.5)The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible
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