Anthropometric manikin for acoustic research

TLDR

The study presents a manikin designed for hearing aid and acoustic research, built to median adult human dimensions. The manikin incorporates a median‑size ear model with auricle, canal, and eardrum matching acoustic impedance and modes, and torso and head dimensions derived from anthropometric data, using a Zwislocki earlike coupler for the canal and eardrum. Measurements indicate that the manikin’s ear entrance sound pressure is largely unaffected by head surface impedance and that its free‑field acoustic response matches that of a median human. Subject classification codes: 65.22, 65.80, 65.35, 65.82.

Abstract

A manikin for hearing aid and related acoustic research was designed with median human adult dimensions. Ear simulation matches the acoustic response with an auricle, an ear canal, and an eardrum that equal the median ear in dimensions, acoustic impedance and modes. Dimensions of torso and head are based on published anthropometric data, but the auricle is based on data obtained for this development. The ear canal and eardrum are adapted from the earlike coupler by Zwislocki. The ear entrance sound pressure was found to be relatively insensitive to surface or skin impedance of the head. Validating measurements show the manikin, designated KEMAR, to be like a median human in acoustic response to free fields. Subject Classification: 65.22, 65.80, 65.35,65.82.