ISO 8253-2-2009 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 8253-2:2009 — Acoustics — Audiometric test methods — Part 2: Sound field audiometry with pure-tone and narrow-band test signals. This part of ISO 8253 specifies test-signal characteristics, requirements for free, diffuse and quasi-free sound fields, and procedures for performing sound-field audiometry using one or more loudspeakers to determine hearing threshold levels.

Abstract

Specifies relevant test-signal characteristics and procedures for sound-field audiometry (pure tones, frequency‑modulated tones and other narrow-band signals), requirements for sound-field types (free, diffuse and quasi-free), and guidance to ensure accurate and reproducible determination of hearing thresholds. Primary frequency range: 125 Hz to 8 000 Hz (extendable, where appropriate, to 20 Hz to 16 000 Hz). The standard does not cover the use of hand‑held loudspeakers and does not specify speech test signals. Examples of graphical result representation and correction values for angle of incidence are provided.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed during review cycle and remains current as the 2009 edition).
• Publication date: December 2009 (Edition 2, 2009-12).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.140 (Noise with respect to human beings / Acoustics — audiometric testing).
• Edition / version: 2 (2009).
• Number of pages: 16 (ISO published document length).

These bibliographic and lifecycle details are taken from the ISO catalogue entry for ISO 8253-2:2009 (ISO/TC 43).

Scope

Provides requirements and procedures for conducting sound-field audiometry using loudspeakers to deliver pure-tone, frequency‑modulated or other narrow‑band signals in free, diffuse or quasi‑free sound fields. The main purpose is to determine hearing threshold levels (125 Hz–8 000 Hz by default; extendable to 20 Hz–16 000 Hz when appropriate). It excludes specifications for hand‑held loudspeakers and does not cover speech as a test signal. The standard aims to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of sound-field threshold measurements and includes examples of graphical presentation and correction guidance for non‑frontal sound incidence.

Key topics and requirements

• Test signal characteristics: pure tones, frequency‑modulated tones and narrow‑band signals, with specified presentation and measurement requirements.
• Sound‑field definitions and requirements: criteria for free, diffuse and quasi‑free sound fields and appropriate speaker placement.
• Procedures for determining hearing thresholds in sound‑field conditions, including subject positioning, number and orientation of loudspeakers, and measurement protocols.
• Permissible frequency range and extension options (default 125 Hz–8 000 Hz; possible extension to 20 Hz–16 000 Hz).
• Exclusions and limitations: speech signals and hand‑held loudspeakers not covered.
• Calibration, verification and correction: guidance on calibration practices, Annex material with graphical result examples and correction values for angles of incidence (linked to reference‑zero standards for free/diffuse fields).
• Reporting and presentation: example audiogram formats, recommended documentation to support reproducibility and traceability.

Typical use and users

Used by clinical audiologists, ENT and hearing‑care professionals, occupational health and hearing‑conservation programs, manufacturers of audiometric and loudspeaker equipment, calibration laboratories and research groups performing sound‑field threshold measurements or validating loudspeaker‑based test systems. The standard is applied where measurement reproducibility and comparability of sound‑field audiometry are required.

Related standards

ISO 8253-2 is part of the ISO 8253 series for audiometric test methods; closely related documents include ISO 8253-1 (pure‑tone air and bone conduction audiometry) and ISO 8253-3 (speech audiometry). Calibration and reference‑zero documents used with sound‑field testing include parts of the ISO 389 series (for reference equivalent threshold sound pressure levels and free/diffuse‑field reference thresholds, e.g. ISO 389‑7). These related standards provide RETSPLs, preferred test conditions and complementary procedures for accurate audiometric calibration and reporting.

Keywords

sound field audiometry, audiometric test methods, pure tone, narrow‑band, frequency‑modulated tones, free field, diffuse field, quasi‑free field, audiology, calibration, RETSPL, ISO 8253, ISO/TC 43.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 8253-2:2009 is the ISO international standard that defines procedures and requirements for sound‑field audiometry using pure‑tone and narrow‑band test signals delivered via loudspeakers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test‑signal characteristics, sound‑field definitions (free, diffuse, quasi‑free), procedures for determining hearing thresholds in a sound field (typically 125 Hz–8 000 Hz, extendable), calibration/verification guidance and examples of result presentation. It explicitly does not specify speech test materials or the use of hand‑held loudspeakers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Clinical audiologists, ENT specialists, occupational health practitioners, hearing‑care professionals, test‑equipment manufacturers, and calibration laboratories—anyone who conducts or verifies sound‑field audiometric threshold measurements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 8253-2:2009 remains the published (2009) edition. The ISO catalogue entry indicates it was reviewed/confirmed in the periodic review cycle (most recent confirmation activity recorded in 2025), so the 2009 edition is current as published by ISO. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards body for any country‑specific adoptions or newer revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 8253 series (audiometric test methods). Closely associated parts are ISO 8253‑1 (pure‑tone air and bone conduction audiometry) and ISO 8253‑3 (speech audiometry); complementary calibration/reference documents are in the ISO 389 series (reference zeros and free/diffuse‑field thresholds).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sound field audiometry; pure tone; narrow‑band; frequency‑modulated tones; free field; diffuse field; calibration; RETSPL; audiometric thresholds; ISO 8253; ISO 389.