News

National Initiative Launches to Assist Hearing Impaired

National Initiative Launches to Assist Hearing Impaired

01.06.03 - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Walker and The EAR Foundation today announced a new educational program uniting the public and private sectors. The program will assist the 15.2 million Americans over 65 who suffer from hearing loss.

Walker, a division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT), is the nation's leading manufacturer of telephones and related advanced technology for the hearing impaired. The EAR Foundation is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for physician training and its pioneering advances in the treatment of hearing loss.

The two are joining forces to improve public access to medical knowledge and technology related to hearing health through the Foundation's Senior EARs educational program.

"Today's announcement is the result of months of intensive discussions between the management of Walker, a division of Plantronics, and The EAR Foundation," said Steve Masie, chairman of The Foundation.

"The EAR Foundation, established a little over 30 years ago, educates and trains physicians in advanced medical treatments and applied technology," Masie said. "We are pleased to have attracted the interest and support of Walker, known for the excellence of its technology and equipment designed expressly to enhance and improve hearing. This is the first time The Foundation has reached outside of the medical community to collaborate with a company. We are taking this step because it is evident that the corporate mission of Walker and the medical mission of The EAR Foundation are designed to help the same people -- those who have difficulty hearing. We are grateful that Walker will be supporting this effort."

"With this collaboration, we will be better able to reach and serve a greater number of people who have hearing loss," said Michael Hartberger, acting president of Walker.

"We are very impressed with the pioneering achievements of The EAR Foundation and proud to be associated with such a prestigious organization.

"Hearing loss among seniors is a significant issue for our nation," said Hartberger. "It can accurately be described as the 'silent disability.' Those who suffer are often reluctant to talk about it. This includes over half of our 80-plus population. They are perhaps embarrassed, maybe even fearful. Many do not tell their doctor or their families. But solutions in many cases are easy to understand and deal with, given competent medical assessment and the application of modern technology. This partnership will reach out to these men and women, give them the information they need and direct them to people who can help."

Masie also envisions an initiative that utilizes the public media and educational materials. The effort will also seek to enlist the support of the medical profession, senior organizations, associations, trade groups and corporate America.

In addition, Walker and The EAR Foundation are collaborating in the creation of a campaign called "Listen or Lose It." It will include public service announcements and other publicity aimed at a broad demographic spectrum ranging from school-aged children to adults. The information will provide education on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the number one cause of hearing loss in our society. "Listen or Lose It," will emphasize how to prevent damage to their ears from sound exposure.

About The EAR Foundation
The EAR (Education and Auditory Research) Foundation was established by Dr. Michael E. Glasscock III. F.A.C.S. in 1971. This association of physicians, educators and concerned citizens exists for three basic purposes:

To provide the general public support services promoting the integration of the hearing and balance impaired into mainstream society;
To provide practicing ear specialists continuing medical education courses and related programs specifically regarding rehabilitation and hearing preservation; and
To educate young people and adults about hearing preservation and early detection of hearing loss, enabling them to prevent at an early age hearing and balance disorders.
The mission of the organization is to provide information and resources to people of every age who suffer from impaired hearing. For more information on The EAR Foundation, visit www.earfoundation.org.

About Walker
Walker, a Division of Plantronics Inc., is a leading manufacturer of amplified telephone products, delivering telecommunications solutions for the hearing impaired, special needs, handset and test set markets. A frontrunner in amplifying sound, Walker's solutions are found in consumer telephone products and custom applications requiring a superior communications experience. As more people begin to address their hearing needs, Walker will continue to provide effective solutions that are simple and easy to use. The company began in 1969 as a telecommunications manufacturer and was acquired in 1986 by Plantronics, a leading provider of headsets to the business community and consumers worldwide. For more information on Walker, visit www.mywalker.com.

About Plantronics
Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. Already the number one supplier of communications headsets in the call center market, Plantronics has expanded into the office, residential, mobile/cellular and computer audio market segments. The publicly held company, headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 19 countries with more than 2,200 employees.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the statements above concerning future growth in market opportunities and the success of the Walker Division of Plantronics, Inc. in meeting those market opportunities. Those statements 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. These risks include, but are not limited to: the overall level of demand for the company's products; the actions of existing and/or new competitors, especially with regard to pricing and promotional programs; continuity of component supply at costs consistent with the company's plans; and the success of the company's new product development efforts. Walker, a Division of Plantronics, Inc., and Plantronics, Inc. disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this release.