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First Cordless Amplified Telephone with Caller ID Makes Perfect Gift for Millions with Hearing Loss

First Cordless Amplified Telephone with Caller ID Makes Perfect Gift for Millions with Hearing Loss
Give the Gift of Better Hearing This Holiday Season

October 19, 2004 - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, TN - Clarity®, a division of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT), offers the C430, a sleekly designed cordless phone featuring caller ID that makes telephone conversations clearer and easier to understand, as the latest gift for the millions of Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Clarity® is the nation's leading supplier of amplified telephones and other products for the hearing loss community. Its products are designed to reconnect individuals who suffer from hearing loss with their families, friends and co-workers.

In a recent study sponsored by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, more than one third (35%) of Baby Boomers said they have difficulty hearing and understanding phone conversations. In addition, 40% reported having a parent with some form of hearing loss while only 9% have purchased amplified telephones for their parents.

"Current research has shown that hearing loss is a rapidly growing problem among Americans," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity®. "The holiday season provides a perfect time to respond to this concern. Clarity has designed the C430 to be a highly effective tool in improving hearing quality, while being a simple and affordable solution for loved ones during the holiday season."

The Clarity C430 features both updated form and function. The new form was designed with those who are uncomfortable about hearing loss in mind. The sleek image is now similar to other telephones on the market, providing a discreet option for users. In addition, caller ID is now included to provide additional functionality.

To increase the quality and clarity of sound, the C430 utilizes the patented Clarity PowerTM Technology to amplify incoming, high frequency sounds that are commonly missed by those with hearing loss. Standard telephones do not share this capability as they amplify all frequencies, leading to unclear sound. Clarity Power™ Technology is fully adjustable, allowing the user to select the level of amplification based on the extent of hearing loss.

The Clarity C430 features 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 Clarity C430 is also hearing aid compatible.

The Clarity C430 can be purchased at Radio Shack locations across the United States for $99.95. For more information about Clarity® and its hearing loss communication products, call 1-800-522-3368 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, 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.