News

Ergonomics and Design at Forefront of New Communications Device for Millions of Hard of Hearing Americans

- Clarity’s C420 Brings style and elegance to much needed solution -

Chattanooga, Tenn. – With the release of the new 900MHz cordless, amplified C420, Clarity is proving that style and functionality are not mutually exclusive.  By fusing the dynamic capabilities of Clarity’s patented audio technology in a product that features a sleek, elegant and ergonomic housing, Clarity has declared its independence from the industry standard in products for the Hard of Hearing community.

The Clarity C420 is used just like a typical cordless telephone, but is equipped with Clarity® Power™ technology which amplifies sounds that are frequently missed by those with a hearing loss.  Standard amplified telephones typically amplify all sounds during a conversation, making it difficult for someone with a hearing loss to decipher words in a conversation.  Clarity Power is the first technology in the telecommunications industry to go beyond standard volume control assistance by allowing a user to control the high frequency sounds based on the degree of his or her hearing loss.

“The C420 is the perfect solution to help someone with a hearing loss communicate more easily,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity.  “I’m excited we have brought the reliability of Clarity Power technology to a telephone with improved ergonomics and attractive features. There is simply no reason a person who experiences a hearing loss should have to use a phone that isn’t comfortable and attractive.”

The Clarity C420 and all Clarity products are endorsed 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.  A recent study conducted by Clarity and the EAR Foundation found that nearly half of the 76 million baby boomers in the U.S. suffer from some degree of hearing loss. 

The Clarity C420 features Caller ID, a bright visual ringer, a large lighted dial pad, 10 memory keys and 3 one touch programmable emergency speed dial buttons.  The phone uses a 3.6 volt 700mAhr NiCd rechargeable 3 cell (AA type) battery and requires a modular phone jack and a standard 120-volt outlet.  The C420 is also hearing aid compatible.

The Clarity C420 may be purchased online at www.clarityproducts.com or through Clarity Authorized Distributors.  For more information about Clarity and its products designed to improve the lives of Hard of Hearing people, call 1-866-5-CLARITY or visit www.clarityproducts.com.

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 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.

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