International Standards

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
International Standards facilitate technical innovation, efficient and sustainable energy access, smart urbanization and transportation systems, climate change mitigation, and increases the safety of people and the environment.

Listed in numerical order

• IEC 60118-4 (webpage): Electroacoustics – Hearing aids – Part 4: Induction-loop systems for hearing aid purposes – System performance requirements. applicable to audio-frequency induction-loop systems producing an alternating magnetic field at audio frequencies and intended to provide an input signal for hearing aids operating with an induction pick-up coil (telecoil). Throughout this standard, it is assumed that the hearing aids used with it conform to all relevant parts of IEC 60118. This standard specifies requirements for the field strength in audio-frequency induction loops for hearing aid purposes, which will give adequate signal-to-noise ratio without overloading the hearing aid. The standard also specifies the minimum frequency response requirements for acceptable intelligibility. Methods for measuring the magnetic field strength are specified, and information is given on appropriate measuring equipment (see Annex B), information that should be provided to the operator and users of the system (see Annex C), and other important considerations. 
• IEC 60118-17 IEC TC 29 Dashboard (webpage) for the “IEC 60118-17 ED1, Electroacoustics – Hearing aids – Part 17: Assistive listening system for hearing aid users based on 2.4 GHz audio streaming.” Includes Auracast streamed assistive listening; expected release November 2027.
• IEC 62489-1 (webpage): Electroacoustics – Audio-frequency induction loop systems for assisted hearing: Methods of measuring and specifying the performance of system components, such as neckloops
• IEC TR 63079:2017 (webpage): Code of practice for hearing-loop systems. Recommendations for and guidance on the design, planning, installation, testing, operation and maintenance of a hearing-loop system (HLS) intended for communicating speech, music and/or other signals. It is mainly concerned with HLS for hearing enhancement, in which the signals are communicated to users of hearing aids equipped with magnetic pick-up coils.
• IEC 63087-1:2021 (webpage). Assistive listening devices and systems for active assisted living – Part 1: General. Specifies requirements, and the associated methods of measurement, for the electroacoustic performance of personal listening systems. This document specifies requirements for the provision of assistive listening in audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment. The requirements are of different kinds, because of the diversity of the hardware concerned. Existing IEC standards for methods of measurement are normatively referenced if they exist. Methods of measurement and performance requirements are specified in IEC 63087-2. Published in late 2025 or early 2026 
• Ampetronic hearing loop systems (webpage) help to safeguard the rights of people who experience hearing loss and ensure performance to Standard e.g. IEC 62489-1 and IEC 60118-4.