AUDIOMETER

SIBELMED AS5
USER MANUAL

520-500-MU2 • Rev 2.02 • 2013-06

 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 3

CONTENTS

Contents
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
SAFETY
1. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1.1. INTRODUCTION
1.2. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS
1.3. AS-5 AUDIOMETER MODELS
1.4. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS
1.5. INSTALLATION AND START-UP
1.6. AUDIOMETRIC TESTS
2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.1. CONFIGURATION ACCORDING TO MODELS
2.2. FREQUENCIESANDLEVELS
2.3. MASKING NOISE
2.4. TRANSDUCERS
2.5. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.6. APPLICABLE STANDARDS
2.7. SIMBOLOGY
2.8. USEFUL LIFE
3. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
3.1. GENERATOR AND TONES CONTROL
3.2. MASKING SIGNAL
3.3. FUNCTION SELECTOR AND CONDUCTION PATHS
3.4. PROCESSOR
3.5. PATIENT’S RESPONSE, KEYBOARD AND SCREEN
3.6. POWERSUPPLY
4. AUDIOMETRIC TECHNIQUE
5. PRESERVATION, PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE
MAINTENANCE
5.1. PRESERVATION
5.2. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
5.3. CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE
6. MODIFICATIONS
APPENDIX 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 5

SAFETY

Safety
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

The AS-5 audiometer has been designed to have the maximum

safety.

All the operation instructions should be read before starting the

device. Otherwise, lesions to the user or patient and damage to
the device and/or accessories may happen.

INTENDED USE

The audiometer generates a series of acoustic and vibrational

stimuli and calculates a series of parameters relating to human
audiometry.

The audiometer is intended for use by medical staff only, under

the supervision and instruction of a doctor.

The audiometer is not intended for use outdoors, nor in

conditions or with energy sources other than as set out in
this manual.

DO NOT use transducers (headphones for air/bone conduction,

loudspeakers, ...) that have not been calibrated with the audio-
meter. THAT COULD INVALIDATE THE AUDIOMETRIC TEST
PERFORMED.

THE ROLE OF THE PATIENT IN THE USE OF THE

AUDIOMETER

The audiometry tests require the cooperation of the patient.

The patient must press a button to communicate the detection
of a stimulus. The doctor must evaluate the patient’s ability
to carry out the audiometry tests. Special care must be taken
with children, the elderly and the handicapped.

LIMITATIONS OF USE. CONTRAINDICATIONS

The interpretation of the tests and the derived treatments should

 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 6

be performed by a doctor.
Safety

The medical staff must evaluate any symptoms presented by

the patient before any audiometric tests are carried out.
The suitability of audiometric testing is the responsibility of the
medical staff.

The audiometer should not be used when it is likely that the

validity of the results could be compromised by external factors.

Take care NOT to place the equipment where it could be splas-

hed
by water or other liquids or cover it with objects that prevent air
from circulating around it while it is running.
The device should NOT be used stacked or adjacent to other
equipment.

All accessories and spare parts, etc. must be originals and are to
be requested from the manufacturer or authorized distributor in
order to ensure the safety of the patient and the correct working
order of the spirometer and the safety of the patient. Thus, this
may increase the emissions or decrease its immunity.

The equipment must be stored and used within the temperatu-

re, pressure and humidity ranges specified in this manual.

ELECTRICAL RISKS

DO NOT remove the device or accessories cover. Servicing and

repair of
the apparatus must only be carried out by trained personnel.
Contact with the voltage inside the system can cause serious
injury.

DO NOT use the equipment if the power cable is in poor

condition or cracked.

DO NOT use damaged accessories

NEVER immerse any part of the equipment in liquid. THIS

COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 7

To ensure vital safety features under the EN 60601.1 standard,

Safety
only equipment compliant with the electrical safety standards
in force may be connected to this device. To connect AS-5 to a
non-medical device with ground conductor, you must install an
additional ground conductor to the non medical device.

DO NOT use multiple mains sockets, unless they comply with

EN-60601-1. They can degrade electrical safety.

RISK OF EXPLOSION

DO NOT use this equipment in the presence of anaesthetics or

flammable gases. THIS COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.

INTERFERENCE RISK

This is an electronic product, so high frequency emissions can

interfere with the correct use. For this reason, the products
which can generate interferences (radios, cellular phones, etc.)
should be kept apart.

The portable or mobile radiofrequency devices can affect the

normal functioning of the electronic medical devices.

This is a medical electronic device and as such it needs special

precautions regarding the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
and it should be installed and setup according to the EMC in-
formation attached (See Appendix 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY).

The use of transducers, accessories and cables different to the

ones specified here, except the transducers and cables sold by
the manufacturer as spare parts, could adversely affect patient
safety, cause a malfunction of the equipment and/or produce an
increase of the emissions or a decrease in the device immunity.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 8

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES BY

Safety

DOMESTIC USERS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

This symbol on the product indicates that it must not

be disposed of as part of domestic waste.

Rather, if it is to be disposed of, it is the user’s responsibility

to take it to a designated recycling point for electrical and
electronic devices. The separate collection and recycling
of different kinds of waste at the point of disposal helps to
preserve natural resources and to ensure that recycling will
safeguard health and the environment. If you require further
information about where to take products of this type for
recycling, contact your local authority, the local domestic waste
disposal service or the distributor from whom you purchased
the product.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 9

1. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions
1.1. INTRODUCTION

The SIBELMED AS5 audiometer is a compact unit based on a

tone generator, a white noise generator (optional), a set of air
conduction earphones, a bone conduction vibrator (optional),
and a liquid crystal alphanumerical screen. The whole system
is controlled by a microprocessor that provides a reliable, quick
and simple way to carry out an audiometry.

The SIBELMED AS5 audiometer has been entirely developed in

Spain. The most advanced technology used in other medical
instruments, as well as the experience acquired from making
audiometers for more than ten years, has been applied to this
audiometer.Its functional line and the fact of having eliminated
many of the electromechanical components the majority of au-
diometers currently have, makes of the SIBELMED AS5 audio-
meter a lasting working instrument.

The SIBELMED AS5 audiometer has been developed following

standard criteria from the National Institutions (U.N.E.) as well
as from the Internatinal Institutions (I.E.C., etc.)

1.2. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

Use this manual is intended for all models and options that can
make up the audiometer AS-5 Therefore, in each case shall
apply only those options or model functions that are available.

This audiometer is built with professional components solid sta-

te under strict quality controls. However, accidents can happen
in the transportation or storage of equipment so it is advisable
to make an initial review of their status prior to installation, as
well as accessories to complement it.

WARNING
IF ANY DAMAGE DETECTED IN THE PACKAGE, IMMEDIA-
TELY CONTACT THE AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION AND
YOUR DEALER PRIOR TO INSTALL. DO NOT PULL.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 10
Instructions

Do not pull any packaging, bag, etc.. until it is fully verified both
as running accessories.

1.3. AS-5 AUDIOMETER MODELS

The set of SIBELMED AS5 audiometers is available in four ver-

sions with the following differences
between them:
AS5-AOM With air conduction, bone conduction and masking
noise
AS5-AO Without masking noise
AS5-AM Without bone conduction
AS5-A Without masking noise and bone conduction

The table below shows each model’s built-in features as stan-

dard (Shadedo) and other items which can be included as optio-
nal (White). You can upgrade to a higher model by adding the
relevant features at any time. All you need to do is contact the
SIBEL S.A. Sales Department or your distributor.
AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 11

Instructions
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 12

MANUFACTURER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructions

SIBEL S.A. guarantees the safety, reliability and proper functio-

ning of this equipment provided that:

• The location where the equipment is installed complies with

the UNE (IEC) requirements for electrical installations, with an
earth connection, and such other standards as may apply.

• Repairs, maintenance and modifications, whether within the

warranty period or otherwise, are carried out by SIBEL S.A. te-
chnical staff.

• The equipment is used by qualified staff and in accordance

with the recommendations in this Instruction Manual.

WARNING

In accordance with the various standards, we recommend

testing and calibrating the electromedical equipment pe-
riodically in order to guarantee reliable operation of the
functions and patient, user and environmental safety.

In addition to the necessary routine maintenance of

the AS-5 audiometer, we recommend calibrating the
transducers and performing a general check of the safety
systems, adjustments, functions, etc. at least once every
twelve months (ISO 8253-1).

This should also be done whenever there is reason to

suspect that the equipment is malfunctioning.

These checks should be carried out by the maufacturer or

by qualified technical staff authorised by SIBEL S.A., in
accordance with the manufacturer’s (SIBEL S.A.) Proce-
dures for Verification and Adjustment.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 13

1.4. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Instructions
1.4.1. GENERAL AND LATERAL PANEL. Fig. 1.3.1.

Nº 1 “0” - “I”
General switch OFF (0) / ON (I)
Nº 2
Block of audiometric graphs for noting down sound pressure
levels as well as patient’s name, address, etc.

Nº 3 “ENMASC./MASK”
Key for increasing the dB level of the masking noise.

Nº 4 “ENMASC./MASK”
Key for decreasing the dB level of the masking noise.

Fig. 1.3.1.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 14

Nº 5 “SEÑAL-SIGNAL”
Instructions

On being pressed down, this key sends the tone signal to the
patient’s earphones or bone vibrator.

Nº 6 “F2”
Function key for selecting the form of applying the tone to the
patient
“C” = Continuous Tone
“P” = Pulse Tone
The corresponding letter is displayed on the LCD screen, above
F2.

Nº 7 “F1”
Function key for selecting the way of applying the tone to the
patient.
“D/R” = Derecha / Right. The screen displays “R”
“I/L” = Izquierda / Left. The screen displays “L”
“O/B” = Osea / Bone. The screen displays “B”
The corresponding letter is displayed on the screen, above 1
function.

Nº 8 “Hz”
Key for increasing the frequency applied to the patient.

Nº 9: “Hz”
Key for decreasing the frequency applied to the patient.

Nº 10: “TONO/TONE”
Key for increasing the pure tone level (dB) applied to the pa-
tient.

Nº 11: “TONO/TONE”
Key for decreasing the pure tone level (dB) applied to the pa-
tient.
Nº 12
LCD alphanumerical screen of 16 x 1. Fig. 1.3.2.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 15

Instructions
fig. 1.3.2.

- abc dB level corresponding to pure tone

- d Free
- ef Indicates that the pure tone is applied to the patient.
- g Corresponds to F1. R = Right, L = Left and B = Bone
- h Corresponds to F2. C = Continuous and P = Pulse
- i Free
- jklm Frequency selected in Hz
- n Free
- op dB level corresponding to masking noise

1.4.2. REAR PANEL. Fig. 1.3.3.

Nº 13: “I/L” (Blue)

Base for the connection of the left earphone of air conduction

Nº 14: “D/R” (Red)

Base for the connection of the right earphone of air conduction

Nº 15: “0/B” (Yellow)

Base for the connection of the bone vibrator

Nº 16: “PAC /PAT” (White)

Base for the connection of the patient’s response push-button

Nº 17:
Features plate

Nº 18
General fuse-holders with slow fuses of 5x20 0.2 A

Nº 19
Base for the connection of power and ground cable

Nº 20
Base for the connection of the additional protection

Nº 21
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 16

Set of air conduction earphones

Instructions

Nº 22
Vibrator for bone conduction

Nº 23
Patient’s response connection

Fig. 1.3.3.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 17

1.5. INSTALLATION AND START-UP

Instructions
This handbook is applicable to the SIBELMED AS5-AOM audio-
meter. For AS5-A, AS5-AM and AS5- A0 models will applicable
the same, except the sections of this handbook which do not
correspond.

In accordance with the type of protection against electrical dis-

charges established in standard EN – 60601-1), the AS-5 audio-
meter is categorised as CLASS I equipment.

In order to be brought into operation, the SIBELMED AS5 au-

diometer requires a 220 V 50Hz network wire (other options on
request) together with its corresponding earth terminal.

The required ambient conditions are:

• Storage temperature -5 to 70 °C
• Ambient temperature between 5 and 40 °C.
• Relative humidity less than 85% (no condensation).

Be careful of keeping the unit away from sprinkling water or any

other liquid. Also do not cover this unit with any object that may
prevent proper ventilation while operating.

It is advisable to install the audiometer within a soundproof room

for audiometric tests. If this is not possible, the unit should be
installed in so quiet a room that test results get not distorted.

The operations order to get the audiometer ready to work is as

follows:

1. Turn general switch Nº 1 to “0” (OFF) position

2. Plug power connection in base Nº 19 and in its electric supply

of 220V 50Hz (other options on request).

3. Connect air conduction earphones, bone conduction vibrator

and patient’s response connection to their corresponding bases
Nº 13, 14, 15 and 16 in accordance with the colours code des-
cribed in section 1.3.2.

4. Drive switch Nº 1 to “I” (ON) position. It will light up and fig.

 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 18

1.4.1. will be displayed on the screen.

Instructions

Fig. 1.4.1.

Make sure that when pressing “SEÑAL /SIGNAL” Nº 5 key you

can hear the tone on the right earphone.

5. Set the block of audiometric graphs in the place intended for

them, Nº 2.

1.6. AUDIOMETRIC TESTS

In this handbook, the mechanics to carry out some basic au-

diometric explorations are explained. These mechanics can be
adapted to those criterions the specialist think more suitable.

Apart from these tests, there exist other tests or variations of

them which are not included here. The procedures for these ca-
ses will be determined by the specialist. It is advisable for those
who are not very acquainted with these techniques to consult
publications in the matter.

WARNING:
TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION BEWARE IN OWN TEAM,
IF USING A NO TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION, TESTING,
DO NOT BE THAT AUDIOMETRIC VALID.
VA TRANSDUCER EACH LABEL WITH AUDIOMETER SE-
RIAL NUMBER HAS BEEN WITH CALIBRATION. MATCHING
CHECK BEFORE USING THE TRANSDUCER (HEADSET, Vi-
brator, ...).
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 19

Instructions
1.6.1. PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINATION OF HEA-
RING THRESHOLD LEVELS THROUGH
AIR CONDUCTION WITHOUT MASKING NOISE

The SIBELMED AS5 audiometer has the following frequencies

and tone levels for air conduction.

Hz 250 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000

Max. dB HTL 90 105 105 105 105 105 90 80
Mín. dB HTL -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10

The place where the audiometry is going to be carried out has to

be quiet. It must not disturb the reception of minimum intensity
tones generated by the audiometer.

It is absolutly necessary for the patient to be calm, confortably

sat and rested, so that he can pay maximum attention to the
test. It is also advisable for the patient not to see the operator
handling the audiometer during the examination.

The aim of this test is to determine the minimum hearing levels

the patient can listen to: hearing threshold level (HTL). The test
is carried out by applying pure tones to each ear. Hearing thres-
hold determination can be carried out by testing all the tones
with one ear and then with the other, or else, testing successi-
vely each tone with one ear and then with the other.

For threshold determination you can proceed according the fo-

llowing steps or similar ones, always in accordance with the
specialist’s criterions.

1. Explain the patient what the examination is about and tell

him/her to press the response connection every time he/she
hears the tone, and to keep it pressed down as long as he/she
hears it.

Next, put the air conduction earphones on the patient’s head

according to the following instructions:
“Right ear” = Red; “left ear” = Blue. Make sure the masking noi-
se is not being applied. The digits corresponding to the masking
noise level should be displayed along with two dashes (—). This
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 20

warns you that this signal is disconnected. Fig. 1.5.1.

Instructions

Fig. 1.5.1.

2. Examine the ear the patient considers to be the best and

start examination with 1000 Hz frequency and then 2000, 4000,
8000, 500 and 250 Hz. Frequencies of 3000 and 6000 Hz are
optional.

3. In order to determine the hearing threshold level of each

frequency, press “SEÑAL/SIGNAL” key for one, two or three se-
conds, sending a sufficiently high level, 60 dB for example, so
that the patient can distinctively identify it.

At the same time, the two digits on the screen corresponding to

the pure tone signal application will light up.

Then, the patient should press the response push-button and

the dB value of the tone signal being applied will flash on the
screen Fig. 1.5.2.

Fig.1.5.2.

If the patient presses the push-button when the operator is not

pressing down the “SEÑAL/SIGNAL” Nº 5 key, Fig. 1.5.3. is dis-
played on the screen for an instant.

Fig.1.5.3.

4. When a well-defined reply is obtained, progressively diminish

the tone level through key Nº 11 in 10 dB jumps, once you have
cancelled the pure tone signal (key No 5 without being pressed).
When you reach the level at which the patient is uncertain about
his reply, go down 10dB further and initiate the ascent throught
key Nº 10 in 5dB jumps until the patient answers again. Then, go
down again in 5dB jumps until the patient cannot hear anything.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 21

Instructions
5. Usually, dB level identified by the patient 100% of the times is
taken as hearing threshold level.

Fig. 1.5.4.

IMPORTANT:
On noting down the levels on the graph take into account that ne-
gative decibels in the graph mean loss of audibility. Therefore, if
the patient is applied 10 dB (screen), write - 10dB on the graph,
and coversely.

Fig.1.5.4.

6. As hearing thresholds are being found they should be noted

down according to the normalized notation and colours code, as
the graph shows. Finally, they should be joined together by a line
for each ear. Fig. 1.5.5.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 22
Instructions

Fig.1.5.5.

7. In those cases you think hearing is normal either in one or

both ears, carry out the test in all frequencies at a tone level
of 10dB. This will determine in short while whether hearing is
normal or not.

8. In some cases, and this is left to the specialist’s criterion, it is

preferable to use pulse rather than continuous tone. This option
is selected through key Nº 6.

1.6.2. DETERMINATION PROCEDURE FOR HEARING

THRESHOLD LEVELS THROUGH BONE CONDUCTION
WITHOUT MASKING NOISE

The audiometer SIBELMED in its AS5-AO and AS5-AOM versions

also permits studying the patient’s
bone conduction. The frequencies and levels applicable with this
unit are following:

Hz 250 500 1000 2000 3000 4000

Máx. dB
40 50 50 50 50 50
Mín dB -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10

The examination consists of determining the hearing threshold

levels when pure tones through bone conduction are provided.
For that purpose select letter “B” (Bone) through key Nº 7 in
the corresponding digit on the screen. Fig. 1.5.6.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 23

Instructions
Fig.1.5.6.

The investigation of the threshold of bone conduction is more

delicate to carry out and to interpret. For this reason you have
to be very careful when carrying it out.

The correct position of the vibrator is very important in order to

carry out determinations through the bone conduction. Place it
on the mastoid. Apply a tone, a few decibels above the thres-
hold, indicating the patient to move it along the mastoid until
the zone where he can hear it loudest. Make sure the vibrator is
perfectly coupled to the mastoid and it does not touch the ear,
in order to avoid cartilaginous conduction.
In threshold examination through boneconduction without mas-
king the opposite ear should be absolutely free, that is to say,
without the earphones on, because their occlusive effect may
disturb the test results.

Hearing threshold determination through bone conduction should

be carried out as described in section 1.5.1.DETERMINATION
PROCEDURE FOR HEARING THRESHOLD LEVELS THROUGH AIR
CONDUCTION WITHOUT MASKING NOISE

1.6.3. DETERMINATION PROCEDURE FOR HEARING

THRESHOLD LEVELS THROUGH AIR CONDUCTION OR
BONE CONDUCTION WITH MASKING NOISE

The SIBELMED AS5-AM audiometer makes possible to study the

hearing thresholds of air conduction with masking noise, and
the AS5-AOM the thresholds of air and bone conduction with
masking noise.

The type of masking noise used by these audiometers is as fo-

llows:

- White Noise of Wide Band

- Range from 30 to 80 dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
- 5 dB level increases
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 24
Instructions

The earphone presenting the masking signal is the opposite to

the one sent by the air conduction.
For example, if the pure tone signal is sent through the right
earphone, the masking signal can be sent through the left one,
or conversely.

When the exploration is carried out through bone conduction,

the masking always turns up though the right earphone.

The masking technique requires skilful handling. It must not

interfere with the ear that is being examined while the intended
ear is being nullified. Therefore, we leave to the specialist’s cri-
terion to decide the following:

- When is masking necessary

- How to determine its initial intensity
- How to determine the threshold of tone with masking.
- etc.

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1. CONFIGURATION ACCORDING TO MODELS

AS5-A AS5-AM AS5-AO AS5-AOM

AIR CONDUCTION YES YES YES YES
BONE CONDUCTION NO NO YES YES
CONTINUOUS TONE YES YES YES YES
PULSETONE YES YES YES YES
MASKINGNOISE NO YES NO YES
TDH39 EARPHONES YES YES YES YES
B71 or B72 BONE VIBRATOR NO NO YES YES
SIGNAL INDICATOR YES YES YES YES
PATIENT’SRESPONSE YES YES YES YES
LCDSCREEN YES YES YES YES
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 25

2.2. FREQUENCIES AND LEVELS

Instructions
Frequency, Hz 250 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000
Max. Pure Tone AC, dB HTL 90 105 105 105 105 105 90 80
Max. Pure Tone BC, dB HTL 40 50 50 50 50 50 — —
Min. AC/BC, dB HTL -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10

Level increments 5 dB
Frequencyaccuracy ±2%
Levelsaccuracy ± 3 dB
Calibration Regulations ISO 389, ANSI 3.26-1981

2.3. MASKING NOISE

Type of signal White noise of wide band

Level range from 30 to 80 dB SPL
Level increments 5 dB

2.4. TRANSDUCERS

Air conduction Earphones type TDH 39 (pair)

Bone Conduction Bone vibrator type B71 or B72

2.5. GENERAL INFORMATION

Functions control Tactile membrane keyboard

Data presentation LCD screen
Store temperature From 0 to 60 ºC
Operating temperature From 10 to 40 ºC
Relative humidity less than 85% (no condensation)
Power 220 V, 50 Hz, 15 VA
Size 324 x 246 x 95 mm
Weight 3 Kg approx.

2.6. APPLICABLE STANDARDS

1. Related to the al Product

MEDICAL DEVICE

• 93/42CEE Directive (RD 1591:2009)

 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 26

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Instructions

• EN 60601-1: 2006 Seg. medical equipment: Class type B

EMC

• EN 60601-1-2:2007 EMC in medical equipment (Not vital sup-

port). See APPENDIX 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBI-
LITY

AUDIOMETERS

• EN 60645-1:2001 Pure tone audiometers

• ANSI S3.6-2004 Specifications for audiometers.
* Only models with speech audiometry option
** Only models with High Frequency option

CALIBRATION

• EN ISO 389-1:2001 Air conduction calibration (supra-aural)

• EN ISO 389-3:1999 Bone conduction calibration
• ANSI S3.6-2004 Specifications for audiometers.

*** Only models with Free field option

USABILITY AND APTITUDE FOR USE

• EN 60601-1-6:2010 General requirements for safety. Part 1-6.

Collateral standard: Usability
• EN 62366:2008 Application of engineering skills to use medi-
cal devices

VIBRATION AND TEMPERATURE

• Series EN 60721:1995 Classification of environmental condi-

tions
• Series EN 60068:1999 Environmental testing
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 27

BIOCOMPATIBILITY

Instructions
• ISO 10993.1:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices.
Part 1.

SOFTWARE

• EN 62304:2006 Software for Medical Devices

DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION

• EN 1041:2008 Information supplied by the manufacturer of

medical devices
• EN 15223-1:2012 Graphical symbols for use in labeling in me-
dical devices

2. Related to the manufacturer

QUALITY

• EN ISO 13485:2012 Quality management systems. Require-

ments for regulatory purposes.
• EN ISO 9001:2008 quality management. Requirements
• EN ISO 14971:2012 Risk management in medical equipment
WASTE

• RD 208/2005 Electrical and electronic equipment and waste

management. Transposition of WAEE 2002/96/CE Directive

3. To be satisfied by the user

AUDIOMETRY

• EN ISO 8253-1:1998 Fundamental liminal audiometry of pure

tones in air and bone conduction.
• EN ISO 8253-2:1998 Free field audiometry with test signals of
pure tones and narrow bands noise
• EN ISO 8253-3:1998 Vocal audiometry
• EN 26189:1991 Tonal liminal audiometry for air conduction
hearing preservation.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 28
Instructions

DATA PROTECTION

• Compliance with LOPD and 95/46/CE Directive

WASTE

• RD 208/2005 Electrical and electronic equipment and waste

management. Transposition of WAEE 2002/96/CE Directive
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 29

Instructions
2.7. SIMBOLOGY

SERIAL NUMBER

MANUFACTURER (The date of manufacture, name and

address of manufacturer)

TEMPERATURE LIMITATION

HUMIDITY LIMITATION

PREASURE LIMITATION

APPLICABLE PART B

CAUTION

EARTH

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

BY DOMESTIC USERS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 30
Instructions

2.8. USEFUL LIFE

7 years

3. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The audiometer, as it is well known, consists of the following
parts:

- Low frequency oscillator

- Attenuator for tone level control
- Air conduction earphones and bone vibrator (if it has one)
- Switch for sending at will generated sound

Next, a more detailed description of the audiometer SIBELMED

AS5 is provided. See Block Diagram.

3.1. GENERATOR AND TONES CONTROL

3.1.1. TONES GENERATOR AND FREQUENCIES SELECTOR

The tones generator comprised in this audiometer is a sine Wien

bridge oscillator. It uses an operational amplifier selfrregulated
in amplitude by a field effect transistor FET.

Frequencies generated by this oscillator are 250, 500, 1000,

2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. They are selected
through the keyboard through an electronic conmutator contro-
lled by the processor.

The tones generator output is applied to an adjustment stage.

Each frequency is calibrated at the manufature process or at
every periodical check-up by means of an artificial ear for the
air conduction earphones and an artificial mastoid for the bone
vibrator. These calibration levels are carried out in dB HTL (Hea-
ring Threshold Level), according to regulations.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 31

3.1.2. ATTENUATOR AND dB TONES SELECTOR

Instructions
Once calibrated,the tone signal goes through five attenuation
stages of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 40 dB. They provide a control in 5dB
jumps, from -10 up to 105 dB.

The stage selection is carried out through the processor by

means of electronic conmutators.

3.1.3. SEÑAL/SIGNAL KEY

The output of the last stage of the attenuator is connected to a

silencer circuit. This, by means of LDR photoelectric cells, blocks
the way of the tone signal whenever the “SEÑAL/SIGNAL” key
is not pressed down. The grade of attenuation of this system is
superior to 80 dB. On pressing the “SEÑAL/ SIGNAL” key this
circuit is defused and the tone freely moves on to the function
selector.

3.2. MASKING NOISE

The masking noise is white noise wide band type. This is ge-
nerated from an aleatory sequence of rectangular pulses that
covers the audible tone spectrum.

This signal is controlled by the processor, both for generation

and for processor attenuator control.

The masking signal attenuator consists of four attenuation sta-

ges of 5, 10, 20, and 20 dB. With them, masking levels between
30 and 80 dB are selected.

Once the signal has been shaped and calibrated, apply the
function selector.

3.3. FUNCTION SELECTOR AND CONDUCTION PATHS

3.3.1. FUNCTION SELECTOR

Pure tone and masking noise should be applied at the inputs of

an electronic conmuter controlled by the processor. The mis-
sion of this device is to send each one of these signals to the
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 32

corresponding paths that have been previously selected by the

Instructions

keyboard.

The electronic conmuter output can send the pure tone signal to
the right earphone, to the left earphone or to the bone vibrator,
and the masking noise either to the right or left earphone.

3.3.2. CONDUCTION PATHS

The SIBELMED AS5 audiometer, as it has been said before, has

Air Conduction and Bone Conduction (optional).

Three power amplifiers feed the right, left earphones and bone
vibrator.

3.4. PROCESSOR

The processor consists of a set of electronic devices that store,

conduct, receive and send out information. In outline, it has the
following parts:

- ROM resident control program (of 8Kb, 1Kb = 1000 bytes)

- RAM memory (of 2Kb)
- Central Process Unit CPU
- Comunication Controls

3.4.1. PROGRAM

It is in charge of conducting all the orders sent to it from the

keyboard so as to carry out the audiometric examination co-
rrectly.

The control program is utterly developed in assembling langua-

ge, assuring by that a high control speed.

The memory where the program is recorded is ROM type (Read

Only Memory).

3.4.2. RAM MEMORY

The data storage capacity is of 2 Kb. A RAM memory is used

(Random Access Memory) in order to keep the data and stage
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 33

where the audiometer is.

Instructions
3.4.3. C.P.U.

It is the device that conducts and carries out instruction compri-

sed in the program. MOS 6502 technology is used with a clock
frequency of MHz

3.4.4. CONTROLLERS

They are in charge of the data exchange between the keyboard,

screen, patient warning and selector on the one hand, and CPU
on the other.

3.5. PATIENT RESPONSE, KEYBOARD AND SCREEN

El SIBELMED AS5 audiometer has a circuit driven by a push-

button for the patient to give warning when he hears the applied
tones. This system has been developed in such a way that it
makes possible for the operator to detect whether the patient is
sending a false warning.

The operator controls the audiometer through a nine-key tactile

membrane keyboard. This system is silent, reliable and easy to
handle. In this way noises coming from rotary conmuters, both
mechanical and electrical are avoided.

The audiometer operating state all the time is displayed on the

LCD liquid crystal screen. This makes possible a clear and quick
view of levels, frequency, path, etc. that are being applied or
are to be applied to the patient. The screen has 16 large and
distinctive alphanumerical digits.

3.6. POWER SUPPLY

As the audiometer is an electronic unit, it requires an electric

source to operate. This is taken from a 220V 50Hz network
(other voltages or / and frequencies are available). In order to
guarantee the safety of patient, operator and their environment,
the network voltage is applied to a transformer in a highly iso-
lated fashion. The output is of very low tension and it feeds the
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 34

whole system.
Instructions

The voltage provided by the transformer goes through filtering

and stabilization circuits. These prevent the audiometer opera-
tion fom being afected by possible flutters in the supply network.
AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 35

Instructions
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 36

4. AUDIOMETRIC TECHNIQUE
Instructions

The audiometric technique is so wide due to the high number of

modalities that exist. To do a description of each one would be a
complex task and it doesn´t the purpose of this manual.

Therefore, for those specialist that want a complementary in-

formation, they can consult the different bibliographies that are
published about this topic.

5. PRESERVATION

The AS-5 audiometer requires, as every equipment and spe-

cially due to its medical application, a preservation or mainte-
nance, first pointed to the sefety of the patient, operator and
environment; second to insure the reability and accuracy of the
functions which it has been developed for. Therefore, a serie of
routines must be performed:

5.1. PRESERVATION

Preservation is the action directed to maintain the equipment in

a correct operating condition. The person that has to perform
it doesn´t need any special technical skill, except the proper
knowledge of the functions and manipulation of the equipment.
It can be performed by the same user. The operations to be ca-
rried out are described below:

5.1.1. CLEANING THE AUDIOMETER

The audiometer can be wiped smoothly with a dry or sligthly

water-moistened cloth and then dried. You must pay attention
to no liquid go into the audiometer or its connectors.

Don´t use abrasive or solvent substances.

5.1.2. CLEANING THE ACCESORIES

The cleaning method described before is also applied to the ac-

cesories.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 37

In the case of the air-way headphone cushions, they can be

Instructions
cleaned better if they are put out the headphone and washed
with water and soap, and dried perfectly before mounting in the
headphone.

WARNING
The bone-way vibrator is a fragile device. Little hits can
break it. So it is recommended to handle with care.

5.2. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The preventive maintenance consist on all those technical ac-

tions that keep the equipment in a good condition.

Some different actions can be performed but standart rules like

ISO 8253-1 are suggested. Sibel suggests at least to follow the
next procedures:

5.2.1. ROUTINE-CHECKUP AND SUBJECTIVE TESTS

This routine-checkup will be performed once per week.

1st. Verify all the connections are connected and all the cables
and connectors are in good condition.

2nd Check subjectively that the audiometer air-way and bone-

way output are equal in bothchannels and in all frequencies. To
do this, apply a level of 10 or 15 dB, just it can be heard. (Of
course, the person that performs the test should have a good
hearing.)

3rd Check with a level of 60 dB in air-way and 40 dB in bone-

way that no distortion nor noise nor parasitic signal can be heard
testing at all frequencies.

4th Check that the signal key turns on-off properly.

5th Check that the atenuator levels performs their function

without noise or interferences.

6th Check that the headphone and vibrator strips are correct.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 38

5.2.2. OBJECTIVE CHECKUP

Instructions

This checkup consists on a general and technical verification of

the safety, adjustment, functions, calibrations that configure the
device.

The calibration is made with artificial mastoid and ear according

to the standards that are applied to.

THIS CHECKUP MUST BE MADE ANNUALLY and following

the Verification and Adjustment procedure of the SIBELMED AS5
owned by the manufacturer. This kind of operations should be
made by qualified technical personnel of the maintenance de-
partment of the center, supplier or manufacturer.

In any case, SIBEL S.A. as manufacturer, must authorize and

allow by writing, at least during the warranty period, to the
technical service to perform this maintenace. In any case SI-
BEL S.A. will not admit any responsability for any damage, mis-
function, etc., which might result from a defective maintenance
by people not working directly in SIBEL S.A.

5.3. CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE

The corrective maintenance consist on fixing the equipment

which it has been put out of service for bad operation or bad
use.

In case of detecting a system break-down which it does not

permit a normal use, disconnect the equipment from the mains
power and contact the correspondent technical service, specifi-
ying as detailed as possible the anomaly detected.

If the equipment needs a corrective maintenance, it will be con-

venient also to perform the preventive maintenance described
in the paragraph 5.2.2 OBJECTIVE CHECKUP.

This requirement must be specified to the technical service that

fix the equipment since possible misfunctions can produce di-
sadjustments not easily to find without a checkup and calibra-
tion.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 39

Guidance and manufacturer’s declaration – electromagnetic emissions

Instructions
AS-5 AUDIOMETER is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The customer or the user should assure that it is used in such an environment

Emissions test Compliance Electromagnetic environment - Guidance

AS-5 uses RF energy only for its internal function. The-

RF (Radiated) emissions Group 1 refore, its RF emissions are very low and are not likely
to cause any interference in nearby electronic equip-
CISPR 11 (EN 55011) Class B ment.

AS-5 uses RF energy only for its internal function. The-

RF (Conducted) emissions Group 1 refore, its RF emissions are very low and are not likely
to cause any interference in nearby electronic equip-
CISPR 11 (EN 55011) Clase B ment.

Harmonic emissions
Class A
EN-IEC 61000-3-2

Voltage fluctuations / Flicker

emissions Yes
EN-IEC 61000-3-2
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 40

Guidance and manufacturer’s declaration – electromagnetic immunity

Instructions

AS-5 AUDIOMETER is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The costumer or the user of AS-5 should assure that it is used in such an environment.

EN-IEC 60601 Electromagnetic environment –

Immunity test Compliance level
test level Guidance

Electrostatic discharge ±6 kV contact ±6 kV contact Floors should be wood, concrete or cera-

(ESD) mic tile. If floors are covered with synthe-
tic material, the relative humidity should
EN-IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV air ±8 kV air be at least 30 %.

Electrical fast transient/ ±2 kV for power ±2 kV for power Mains power quality should be that of a
burst supply lines supply lines typical commercial or hospital environ-
ment.
The input/output line cables are shorter
±1 kV for input/ ±1 kV for input/ than 3 meters long.
EN-IEC 61000-4-4 output lines output lines
±1 kV differential ±1 kV differential Mains power quality should be that of a
Surge typical commercial or hospital environ-
ment.
±2 kV common ±2 kV common
EN-IEC 61000-4-5
mode mode

Voltage dips, short in- <5 % Ut Mains power quality should be that of a
<5 % Ut typical commercial or hospital environ-
terruptions and volta- (>95 % dip in Ut) (>95 % dip inUt) ment. If the user of the AS-5 requires
ge variations on power for 0.5 cycle for 0.5 cycle continued operation during power mains
supply input lines interruptions, it is recommended that the
40 % Ut 40 % Ut AS-5 be powered from an uninterruptible
EN-IEC 61000-4-11 power supply or a battery.
(60 % dip in Ut) (60 % dip in Ut)
for 5 cycles for 5 cycles

70 % Ut 70 % Ut
(30 % dip in Ut) (30 % dip in Ut)
for 25 cycles for 25 cycles

<95 % Ut <95 % Ut
(>5 % dip in Ut) (>5 % dip in Ut)
for 5 seconds for 5 seconds

Power frequency (50 / 3 A/m 3 A/m El campo magnético en la sala debe ser
60 Hz) magnetic field suficientemente bajo para asegurar la
realización del test.
EN-IEC 61000-4-8
NOTE Ut is the a.c. mains voltage prior to application of the test level.
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 41

Guidance and manufacturer’s declaration – electromagnetic immunity

Instructions
AS-5 AUDIOMETER is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below.
The costumer or the user of AS-5 should assure that it is used in such an environment.

Compliance
EN-IEC 60601
Immunity test level Electromagnetic environment – guidance
test level

Portable and mobile RF communications equi-

pment should be used no closer to any part of
AS-5, including cables, than the recommended
separation distance calculated from the equation
applicable to the frequency of the transmitter.

Recommended separation distance

RF conducida 3 Vrms 3 Vrms

EN-IEC 61000-4-6 150KHz a 80 MHz

RF radiada 3 Vrms 3 V/m

EN-IEC 61000-4-3 80 MHz a 800 MHz

where P is the maximum output power rating

of the transmitter in watts (W) according to the
transmitter manufacturer and d is the recom-
mended separation distance in meters (m).

Field strengths from fixed RF transmitters, as

determined by an electromagnetic site survey,a
should be less than the compliance level in each
frequency range b.

Interference may occur in the vicinity of equip-

ment marked with the following symbol:

Note 1. At 80 MHz and 800 MHz, the higher frequency range applies.
Note 2. These guidelines may not apply in all situations. Electromagnetic propagation is affected by absorp-
tion and reflection from structures, objects and people.

a Field strengths from fixed transmitters, such as base stations for radio (cellular/cordless) telephones and
land mobile radios, amateur radio, AM and FM radio broadcast and TV broadcast cannot be predicted theo-
retically with accuracy. To assess the electromagnetic environment due to fixed RF transmitters, an electro-
magnetic site survey should be considered. If the measured field strength in the location in which AS-5 is
used exceeds the applicable RF compliance level above, AS-5 should be observed to verify normal operation

b Over the frequency range 150 kHz to 80 MHz, field strengths should be less than 3 V/m
 AUDIOMETER AS5 User Manual 42

Recommended separation distances between portable and mobile RF communications equipment

Instructions

and AS-5 AUDIOMETER

AS-5 AUDIOMETER is intended for use in an electronic environment in which radiated RF disturbances are
controlled. The costumer or the user of AS-5 can help prevent electromagnetic interference by maintaining a
minimum distance between portable and mobile RF communications equipment (transmitters) and AS-5 as
recommended below, according to the maximum output power of the communications equipment.

Rated Maximum out-

Separation distance according to frequency of transmitter
put power of trans-
mitter m

From 150 kHz to 80 From 80 MHz to 800 From 800 MHz to 2.5
MHz MHz GHz

0.01 0.12 0.12 0.23

0.1 0.37 0.37 0.74
1 1.17 1.17 2.33
10 3.69 3.69 7.38
100 11.67 11.67 23.33
For transmitters rated at a maximum output power not listed above, the recommended separation distance d
in meters (m) can be estimated using the equation applicable to the frequency of the transmitter, where P is
the maximum output power rating of the transmitter in watts (W) according to the transmitter manufacturer.

Note 1 At 800 MHz, the separation distance for the higher frequency applies.

Note 2 These guidelines may not apply in all situations. Electromagnetic propagation is affected by absortion
and reflection from structures, objects and people.