FONIX® 8000 - Frye Electronics

Chapter 1 1
Introduction & Setup
Welcome to the 8000 Hearing Aid Test System, the newest innovation in hearing
aid testing technology! The 8000 Hearing Aid Test System performs a broad
range of hearing aid measurements from basic, everyday tests of distortion, battery
current drain, and frequency response to advanced tests of digital processing
delay and phase.
The 8000 Hearing Aid Test System was designed to be a workhorse, capable of
performing test after test, day after day, week after week and month after month
for years with little to no component failure (although microphones are inherently
fragile and must always be handled with care). Whenever possible, we
used sturdy components designed to withstand the test of time.
The 8000 Hearing Aid Test System was also designed for accuracy in every
respect, from the generation of its test signals to the sensitivity of its microphones
and the design of its test chamber. Hearing health professionals from all
over the world rely on the accuracy of our measurements, and we do our best
to meet (and even exceed) their expectations. This durability and accuracy is
combined with an easy-to-use interface, a high-resolution color display, and a
flexible architecture that ensures new tests can easily be added as hearing aid
technology (and its testing techniques) evolve.
The FONIX 8000 is composed of a main electronics module with a front panel
for controlling the operation of the analyzer and a wide-format thermal printer.
An external video monitor is used to view test results. You can connect either
the optional 8120 Polar Plot sound chamber, or the smaller 8050 sound chamber
(with no polar plot capability) for performing coupler measurements. If the
Real-ear Option is ordered, a probe remote module is connected to the main
electronics module, and dual probe microphones, a sound field speaker, a
monitor headset, and an insert earphone can be connected to the probe remote
module. Finally, the FONIX 8000 can also be connected to a personal computer,
if desired, which allows the user to collect test results electronically and even
control the analyzer remotely.
Indications for use
This device performs electro-acoustical real-ear and coupler measurements of
hearing aids. Telecoil and battery current measurements of the hearing aid can
also be performed. It is meant to be used by hearing health professionals with
some knowledge of testing hearing aids. In particular, real-ear measurements
should be performed by professionals experienced in hearing aid fitting.