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Amplified Telephone Helps Moms Say Hello to Good Health; Clarity's C410(TM) Helps Women with Hearing Loss Reconnect with Friends, FamilyCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --(Business Wire)-- April 19, 2006 -- If prevailing trends are any indication, more and more Americans this Mother's Day will say good bye to flowers and chocolate and hello to healthy gifts. From massages to yoga classes to fruit baskets, consumers will be doing for Mom what they've been doing for themselves - finding creative ways to improve her health. One company recognizing this trend is Clarity(R), a division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) and the nation's leading supplier of amplified telephones for people with hearing loss. Clarity has developed a cordless telephone, the C410(TM), to help Moms with mild to moderate hearing loss, which has become a major health issue among the Baby Boomer generation, not to mention their parents. According to a study co-sponsored by The EAR Foundation and Clarity, 44% of female Boomers in the US are struggling with hearing loss. Unlike previous generations, however, Boomers are showing an aggressive inclination to fight the aging process rather than succumb. For example, the Yoga Journal recently published a study indicating that Americans are now spending about $2.95 billion a year on yoga classes, equipment, clothing, holidays, videos and more. Boomers experiencing hearing loss also are also determined not to suffer in silence - which is what makes Clarity's products an ideal Mother's Day gift. "Thousands of Moms nationwide want to feel better and hearing is a major aspect of health," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "On special occasions, like Mother's Day, hearing the sounds of a loved one's voice means the world. Our telephones are a vehicle to help mothers with hearing difficulties stay connected with friends and family." Equipped with Clarity(R) Power(TM) technology, the C410 amplifies sounds that are frequently missed by those with a hearing loss. Standard amplified telephones typically boost the volume of all sounds during a conversation, making it difficult for someone with a hearing loss to decipher between high and low frequencies. Clarity Power goes beyond standard volume control assistance by allowing the user to control the high frequency sounds based on the degree of his or her hearing loss. The Clarity C410 features a bright visual ringer, a large lighted dial pad, 10 memory keys and 3 one touch programmable emergency speed dial buttons. The Clarity C410, which is hearing aid compatible, may be purchased exclusively at RadioShack(R) locations across the United States for under $69.99. Visit www.RadioShack.com to find the nearest store. The Clarity C410 and all Clarity products are endorsed as a hearing loss solution by The EAR Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that promotes pioneering advances in the treatment of hearing loss. The EAR Foundation recognizes the quality and benefits of Clarity products and recommends that those with hearing loss consider Clarity products as a healthy solution for their hearing needs. For more information about Clarity and its products designed to improve the lives of people with hearing loss, call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com. About Clarity(R) Clarity(R), a Division of Plantronics Inc. (NYSE:PLT), is a leading supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communications devices for the hearing loss and deaf markets. A leader in sound amplification, Clarity's patented technology, Clarity(R) Power(TM), provides customized solutions for customers who otherwise could not communicate easily and effectively with the outside world. As more people begin to address their hearing needs, Clarity will continue to provide effective technologies that are simple and easy to use. The company began in 1969 as a telecommunications manufacturer, and was acquired in 1986 by Plantronics, Inc., a leading provider of headsets to business and individual consumers worldwide. About Plantronics Plantronics introduced the first lightweight headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. Plantronics headsets have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong's historic "One small step for man" transmission from the moon in 1969. A publicly held company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with approximately 4,400 employees, Plantronics maintains offices in 20 countries. For more information go to www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660. |
