CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Telephone calls to distant family and loved ones are a part of the holiday season tradition, but for millions who suffer from a hearing loss, telephone conversations can be difficult and are often avoided. Fortunately, Clarity(R), a division of Plantronics, Inc. and the nation's leading supplier of amplified telephones, offers the W1000 this holiday season.

The W1000, widely available at all Walgreens stores or online at www.Walgreens.com, is specifically designed to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss communicate more easily by phone.

The Clarity W1000 looks similar to a typical telephone, but is equipped with Clarity(R) Power(TM) 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 between high and low frequencies. 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, making calls clearer and easier to understand.

"The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for millions of people who suffer from a hearing loss," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "The W1000 and Clarity Power technology help make conversations with family and loved ones possible. Not only is the sound quality dramatically improved, so is one's quality of life. This holiday season, we are pleased to make this affordable solution widely available through local Walgreens stores and at Walgreens.com."

The Clarity W1000 increases incoming sound up to 26 decibels. The phone also features a bright visual ring indicator, an extra loud ringer, 10 programmable one-touch speed dial keys, and one large speed dial key for easy dialing in an emergency. The W1000 is hearing aid compatible and includes a 3.5 mm jack for neck loops and other assistive listening devices.

The Clarity W1000 may be purchased online at www.Walgreens.com or at Walgreens stores across the United States for $34.99. For more information about Clarity and its products designed to improve the lives of Hard of Hearing people, call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.

About Clarity

Clarity(R), a Division of Plantronics Inc. , 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 technologies, Clarity(R) Power(TM) and Digital Clarity Power(TM), provide 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. For more information about Clarity and its products, please call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.

About Plantronics(R)

In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of Sound Innovation(TM) is the basis for every product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Volume Logic. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.

Altec Lansing, Amplifying Your Life, Clarity, Clarity Power, Digital Clarity Power, the logo design, Plantronics, Sound Innovation, and Volume Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.