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World Leader in Amplified Hearing Products Adopts New Name Based on Key Technology

World Leader in Amplified Hearing Products Adopts New Name Based on Key Technology
New Identity for Plantronics Division Brings Clarity to Products and Brand

01.06.04 - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) announced today that it has changed the name of its Walker Ameriphone division, the nation's leading manufacturer of products for the hearing loss community, to Clarity®. The new name underscores Clarity's leadership position as a provider of technology-based solutions for the hearing impaired.

Clarity is the leading supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communication devices for the hearing loss and deaf markets. Clarity's signature technology to address hearing loss, Clarity® Power™, delivers significantly more than the basic amplification offered by competitors. The technology enables users to tailor the levels of amplification and incoming high-frequency sounds, significantly enhancing communication for 95% of the hearing loss market.

"Clarity® Power™ technology has been so successful and is now so well recognized in the hearing loss community, that we have decided to leverage our technology position and change our name to Clarity," said Carsten Trads, a recognized global executive in the industry, who joined Clarity as president last September. "Its strong name recognition and dependable quality make it the technology of choice for millions of people who have difficulty hearing. Building on this existing, loyal customer base, we see a tremendous potential for long-term growth. We are poised to deliver the advanced hearing experience of Clarity Power for generations to come."

Since 1999, Clarity has steadily increased its presence with major retail operations such as RadioShack, Kmart, Target and CVS pharmacies. The name change comes at a time when Clarity is seeing increased interest in its products from the hearing loss community.

"For the past several years, we have seen a surge in consumer awareness of simple solutions for people with varying degrees of hearing loss," said Trads. "But at the same time, the number of people who do not address hearing loss issues continues to grow. We have changed our name to send a clear message to those individuals and families - we can help."

The market for Clarity's products in the United States is robust. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting more than 30 million people. That number is expected to grow dramatically as the percentage of older Americans increases over time. Additionally, hearing loss is no longer a condition reserved for senior citizens. It is actually growing at a faster rate among Baby Boomers than the elderly, as a result of increases in exposure to environmental noise.

Clarity also sees strong potential overseas and will be expanding its reach in international markets in the coming year as part of its overall growth strategy.

"Clarity has completed quite a journey in the past five years, and is in a great position for future growth, both domestically and internationally," said Trads. "Our long-term plans are to deliver the Clarity message to as many people as possible, while continuing to improve, enhance and extend the products we offer."

Among the latest products introduced by Clarity are a new version of its popular cordless amplified telephone (Clarity 435), the world's first dual speaker amplified telephone (CLS45i) and a Mobile Headset Amplifier (MHA100), introduced under the Plantronics brand, which is also the first device of its kind.

The name change will take effect immediately, and includes a new Web site: www.clarityproducts.com. All of the products and information formerly found on the Walker and Ameriphone Web sites are now consolidated on the new clarityproducts.com site.

About Clarity
Clarity, 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 frontrunner in amplifying sound, Clarity's patented technology, Clarity® Power™ provides customized solutions for customers who otherwise may not have a way to 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 the business community and 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 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 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.