Method and Apparatus for Testing Earphone Apparatus

Apparatus for testing earphone apparatus (10) during manufacture includes a head simulator (30) including an ear simulator (40) defining a passageway (42) leading to an external opening (44), and an eardrum microphone (46) mounted in the passageway (42) of the ear simulator (40). The apparatus (10) includes one or more of: an ear plate (50) for simulating an outer ear, the ear plate (50) forming part of the ear simulator (40) and defining a substantially planar earphone engagement surface (52) substantially encircling the external opening (44); a mounting guide system for assisting correct placement of earphone apparatus on the head simulator (30) relative to the ear simulator (40); and a test module (100) for performing rapid automated testing of earphone apparatus mounted on the head simulator (30).