Hearing and Seeing Is Believing: Amplified Phone With Tablet Technology Represents Innovative Holiday Gift for Seniors

CHATTANOOGA, TN--(Marketwired - Nov 18, 2013) - In a consumer market geared towards younger generations, finding holiday gifts for older loved ones can be a challenging task. Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) dedicated to creating smart solutions for seniors, is making the gift giving process easier this holiday season with Ensemble -- a first-of-its-kind home phone that provides hearing-aid quality amplification and precise captioning on an Android™-based tablet display all in one device.

Available for $75.00 on clarityproducts.com, Ensemble is specifically designed for older users -- people with hearing loss or low vision. Simply put, it allows them to read as well as hear conversations. Considering hearing loss is the third most common health issue among seniors, and studies show that uncorrected hearing loss can lead to social isolation and even decline in mobility, Ensemble meets a critical need. This innovative device is an ideal gift as it helps seniors enjoy talking on the phone again at a time when conversations with loved ones are what matter the most.

When an individual places or receives a call on Ensemble, the other party's words are transcribed through ClearCaptions, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-certified telephone-captioning service that is similar to closed captions for television. As the user listens, captions appear on the phone's tablet display in an easy-to-read font that can be enlarged or adjusted with the swipe of a finger. Captioning is free to the user. Conversations can be saved and referenced later should the user need to check an address or medication instructions from their doctor. 

In addition to captioning, Ensemble amplifies incoming sounds up to 50 decibels while also removing unwanted and distracting noises. Its powerful amplification and sophisticated sound processing is enhanced with adjustable settings to allow user to customize the listening experience to their unique degree of hearing loss. With its simple touchscreen display, Ensemble is easy to set up and use. This all-in-one device can alleviate many of the communication barriers that typically occur with seniors experiencing hearing loss and loved ones on the phone.

"Shopping for an older parent or grandparent is incredible difficult in today's market -- the options are limited and the products, especially technology, are not designed with their needs in mind," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "Ensemble was created solely for older users. It meets the needs of people as they age, giving them a phone that can provide enjoyable conversations and a greater connection to everyone in their lives during this this holiday season and beyond."

About Clarity - Smart for Seniors™
Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), creates smart communication solutions that help seniors live richer, more engaged lives. For more than 40 years, Clarity's innovative products -- such as amplified telephones, notification systems and assistive listening devices -- have helped people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges. Clarity has pioneered many firsts -- from digital sound processing in 2005 to remote-access customer service in 2010. Millions rely on Clarity to communicate at home, at work and throughout their lives. For more information, please visit www.clarityproducts.com or call 1-800-426-3738.