Clarity(R) Introduces First Cordless Telephone with Caller ID to Enhance Communication for Millions of Men with Hearing Loss

From: PR Newswire (press release) - Jun 3, 2004

New Appealing Design a Perfect Father's Day Gift

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Father's Day, Clarity®, a division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT - News), has introduced the attractive, accessible Clarity C430, the first cordless telephone with caller identification to make conversations more clear and comfortable for men with mild to moderate hearing loss.(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040405/NYFNSA10 )

The Clarity C430 addresses the needs of 95 percent of the 28 million Americans who experience some level of hearing impairment, including more than 10 million who are under age 45. A majority of the nation's 28 million people who experience hearing loss are men.

Featuring an easy to use design and the functional appeal of state-of-the- art technology and caller ID telephone, the Clarity C430 makes the ideal Father's Day gift for those with hearing loss. It offers the user both style and substance, allowing him to navigate an environment that is increasingly dependent upon telecommunications with confidence and ease.

"Sometimes the most effective way to help those struggling with the frustration and isolation of hearing loss is to show how much you value communicating with them," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "The gift of a Clarity C430 phone, which is both affordable and user-friendly, is a discreet, thoughtful way to make a significant difference in a loved one's life."

The Clarity C430 utilizes patented Clarity Power(TM) Technology to amplify incoming high-frequency sounds that people who suffer from hearing loss commonly miss. Typically, standard telephones, even those with volume control, do not differentiate between high and low frequency sounds. Clarity Power, which is integral to the Clarity C430 phone, is the first technology in the telecommunications industry to go beyond basic volume control features, allowing the users to adjust high-frequency sounds to accommodate their degree of hearing loss.

"The Clarity C430 is not just a new phone -- it is a new hearing health solution," said Trads. "The technology makes it possible for fathers, grandfathers, brothers and husbands to once again enjoy conversation and take pleasure in communication."

Additional features of the C430 include a bright visual ringer, a large lighted dial pad, ten memory keys, and three one-touch programmable emergency speed dial buttons. The phone uses double-A batteries, and requires a modular phone jack and a standard 120-volt outlet. The Clarity C430 is also compatible with hearing aids.

The Clarity C430 can be purchased at Radio Shack outlets for under $100. For more information about Clarity and its hearing loss communication products, call 1-800-522-3368 or visit http://www.clarityproducts.com .

About Clarity®

Clarity®, a Division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT - News), 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® 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 communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with approximately 2,500 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide. Plantronics headsets are also used widely in many Fortune 500 corporations and 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. Plantronics, Inc., headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 20 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.plantronics.com or by calling (800) 544-4660.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed as forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that Clarity may fail to meet market growth opportunities and that the Clarity Power technology may not perform as we anticipate, and other risks as described from time to time in Plantronics Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to Plantronics report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2003 and Plantronics' annual report on Form 10-K filed on June 2, 2003. These filings can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov . If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or any of these assumptions prove incorrect, Plantronics' results could differ materially from Plantronics' expectations. Plantronics assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. Statements made in this press release are based on current information and expectations and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any such statements.

Source: Clarity

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