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Clarity® Chooses Chattanooga for Global Headquarters

Clarity® Chooses Chattanooga for Global Headquarters
International Leader in Hearing Loss Technology to Add 20 New Positions

March 17, 2004 - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, TN - Clarity®, a division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) and the nation's leading supplier of telephony products for the hearing loss community, has announced that it will create 20 new positions at its world-wide headquarters, and fill them with local professionals.

"Chattanooga is a natural fit for Clarity's headquarters," said Carsten Trads, who was named president of Clarity last fall. "The quality of living is fantastic and the progressive, expanding business community provides numerous opportunities to build our organization both physically and fiscally.

"Chattanooga attracts dynamic professionals who are looking for career opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding," Trads said. "Creating a diverse, talented workforce utilizing these driven professionals is one of our cornerstones for long-term success. We are fortunate that we do not have to look further than our own backyard to find them."

Demand for Clarity's state-of-the-art technology and innovative products is one key component driving the need for additional personnel.

The company is seeking local professionals with expertise in the fields of engineering, sales, marketing, operations, customer care and finance. The new positions represent a 100 percent increase in Clarity's Chattanooga workforce, and will enable the company to continue to innovatively enhance its well-established, technologically advanced product line.

Clarity (www.clarityproducts.com), located at 4289 Bonny Oaks Drive, supplies amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communication devices to the hearing loss and deaf markets. The company's signature technology to address hearing loss, Clarity Power™, offers more than the basic amplification provided by competitors. The technology enables users to adjust levels of amplification and incoming high-frequency sounds to suit their needs.

Formerly known as Walker Ameriphone, Clarity launched its new name at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to an enthusiastic response. The name change brought Clarity's three product lines: Clarity, Ameriphone and Walker Handsets under a single company name, and preceded the unification of all company operations within its Chattanooga location.

The consolidation was a strategic initiative that was part of Clarity's overall plan to realize continued growth. Centralizing all elements of the business in Tennessee has enhanced efficiency and customer service. Clarity previously had operations in Garden Grove, California.

The market for the company'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 solely of the elderly. It actually is growing at a faster rate among Baby Boomers than senior citizens because of increased exposure to environmental noise.

The company also sees endless potential overseas. It will be expanding into international markets in 2004

"In the past five years, we have seen the Clarity Power™ brand strengthen significantly," said Trads. "People are looking to our products for hearing solutions. It is an exciting time to be a part of this industry, and we anticipate many opportunities for the company, both short- and long-term."

Currently, Clarity products are sold through major retailers including Radio Shack and Kmart.

The Last Five Years: Milestones for Clarity®
In addition to a steady stream of new products and updated models, Clarity's business and brand have undergone a transformation.

1999 - The company, known as Walker Inc., introduces first cordless telephone designed specifically for the hearing impaired, a product category that continues to drive its productivity.

2000 - Walker forms strategic partnership with Radio Shack, becoming the first manufacturer to provide amplified telephone products through a leading nationwide retailer.

2002 - Walker's parent company, Plantronics, acquires Ameriphone to bolster the company's product line and position within the assistive technology market.

2003 - Walker Ameriphone announces educational partnership with the EAR Foundation to improve public access to medical knowledge and technology related to hearing loss.

2003 - Company announces induction of Carsten Trads as President. Trads, a hearing technology industry veteran with significant global experience, is charged with growing the brand domestically and internationally.

2004 - Walker/Ameriphone changes moniker to Clarity® to unify its brand.

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 leader in sound amplification, Clarity's patented technology, Clarity® Power™, 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, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962, and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. Already the foremost 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. It maintains offices in 19 countries and employs more than 2,200 people.

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 various markets, and the success of Clarity®, a Division of Plantronics, Inc., in meeting those market projections.

Those statements are based on current information and expectations. Important factors 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. Clarity®., 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.