Question
I recently read about the Sebotek ''PAC'' and I realize that's not meant to mean Political Action Committee! Please tell me exactly what a PAC is, and if possible, can you attach a photo?
Answer
PAC from SeboTek has absolutely no political connection. PAC refers to Post Auricular Canal, an entirely new style of hearing aid that is intended to provide hearing professionals with one more option for treating hearing loss in the mild to severe ranges. Like the other hearing aid styles (CIC, ITE, CIC), the acronym refers to the anatomical placement of the instrument while being worn.
In the case of PAC's modular design, the sound processor module rests post auricular, while the speaker/receiver is located deep in the ear canal. The processor and speaker are connected by a replaceable, thin gauge, translucent wire (see photo below) that we call a speaker link.
There are many benefits to the PAC design. The distance between the speaker and the dual microphone system offers more physical separation than any other ear level worn device and provides a significant reduction regarding the potential for feedback. The silicone ear tips which cover the speaker (there are seven available sizes) allow feedback issues to be addressed immediately, without shell modifications or remakes. Another benefit is the very small size of the speaker which enables it to be placed past the second bend. The proximity of the speaker to the TM provides a boost in amplification power. Remember, effective sound pressure levels double as the canal volume is halved, providing increased user gain, greater headroom and improved sound quality. Many people will not wear hearing aids due to cosmetic concerns, and those are indeed, real concerns for those individuals. However, many people have found the small, discreet PAC instrument to be a terrific CIC alternative for both cosmetic and power considerations. Another particularly important outcome of the deep speaker placement is the reduction and frequent elimination, of the occlusion effect, a prominent occurrence in precipitous losses. Directionality is another standard feature of the PAC system. PAC uses dual, omni microphones for its directionality with a programmable, cardiod pattern. This flexibility allows the dispenser to create a polar plot customized to the needs and preferences of the user. The directional microphone system is accessed via the push button memory switch. The directional program(s) can be placed in any of the four memory positions.
We've gone a long ways from talking politics to directional microphones. So I think I'll leave it there, and thanks for the question!
Bruce Gefvert,
Director of Sales and Marketing at SeboTek Hearing Systems.
Bruce can be reached at bgefvert@sebotek.com
Click here to visit the Sebotek website.