AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Starkey Genesis - August 2023

SeboTek PAC (Post Auricular Canal) Hearing Aid

Bruce Gefvert

October 6, 2003

Share:

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.


Bruce Gefvert

Director of Sales and Marketing, SeboTek


Related Courses

A Deeper Look at Sound Environments
Presented by Don Schum, PhD
Recorded Webinar
Oticon

Presenter

Don Schum, PhD
Course: #33536Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Very well articulated'   Read Reviews
The characteristics of the sound environment have a fundamental impact on the performance of the hearing aid user. In this course, we will describe the obvious and sometimes more subtle aspects of sound environments that will affect hearing aid performance.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

The Subjective Evaluation of a New Hearing Aid Fitting
Presented by Don Schum, PhD
Recorded Webinar
Oticon

Presenter

Don Schum, PhD
Course: #35584Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Very informative and pragmatic presentation regarding the importance of incorporating a subjective evaluation into the hearing aid fitting process'   Read Reviews
The final judge of the success of a new fitting will of course be the patient, and the criteria that they use may not always be in line with an objective audiological measure. This course will review some of the issues and options at play when having the patient weigh in on the value of the new devices.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Auditory Wellness: What Clinicians Need to Know
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, Barbara Weinstein, PhD
Audio
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDBarbara Weinstein, PhD
Course: #36608Level: Intermediate0.5 Hours
  'i loved the podcast format'   Read Reviews
As most hearing care professionals know, the functional capabilities of individuals with hearing loss are defined by more than the audiogram. Many of these functional capabilities fall under the rubric, auditory wellness. This podcast will be a discussion between Brian Taylor of Signia and his guest, Barbara Weinstein, professor of audiology at City University of New York. They will outline the concept of auditory wellness, how it can be measured clinically and how properly fitted hearing aids have the potential to improve auditory wellness.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Vanderbilt Audiology Journal Club: Clinical Insights from Recent Hearing Aid Research
Presented by Todd Ricketts, PhD, Erin Margaret Picou, AuD, PhD, H. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Recorded Webinar
AudiologyOnline

Presenters

Todd Ricketts, PhDErin Margaret Picou, AuD, PhDH. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Course: #37376Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Interesting points regarding satisfaction and success with hearing aids'   Read Reviews
This course will review new key journal articles on hearing aid technology and provide clinical implications for practicing audiologists.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

61% Better Hearing in Noise: The Roger Portfolio
Presented by Steve Hallenbeck
Recorded Webinar
Mon, May 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm EDT
Phonak

Presenter

Steve Hallenbeck
Course: #38656Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Clear and concise'   Read Reviews
Every patient wants to hear better in noise, whether it be celebrating over dinner with a group of friends or on a date with your significant other. Roger technology provides a significant improvement over normal-hearing ears, hearing aids, and cochlear implants to deliver excellent speech understanding.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.