Free Amplified Phone Available to Texans With Hearing Loss

The New Clarity XL40D Removes Background Noise, Amplifies Voice and Is First to Feature Innovative New Customer Service Technology

Hearing Loss Article from CNNMoney.com on February 16, 2010

The Clarity XL40D, a new amplified telephone designed by Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), is now available through the Texas Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP). The new phone makes conversations easier to understand for the estimated 3.8 million Texans with hearing loss.

The Clarity XL40D can be obtained at no-cost by Texas residents who are certified as having a hearing loss.

[Suffering from hearing loss? Family Hearing & Sensory-Neural Center has been appointed Vendor status for FREE amplified telephones and other assistive listening devices for hard of hearing Texans by the Texas Public Utilities Commission STAP program. Call today for more information 936-291-2414]

The Clarity XL40D amplifies incoming sound up to 50 decibels while reducing distracting background noise using a technology traditionally found only in hearing aids. Dubbed Digital Clarity Power™, the technology improves conversations by not just making words louder, but making them clearer and easier to understand. Additionally, outgoing speech can be amplified up to 15 decibels. The XL40D is an ideal solution for those with a severe hearing loss.

“Nearly 4 million Texans struggle with hearing loss. STAP is doing a tremendous job by providing these individuals with a means to connect with friends and family,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “We are honored to provide STAP with the XL40D — we’re confident this phone will make a tremendous impact on residents across Texas.”

Among the features of the XL40D is ClarityLogic®, the latest technology from Clarity that allows for simplified customer support that provides accurate and immediate results. Phone users simply call an 800 phone number and a Clarity representative can remotely evaluate their phone to provide feedback or adjust settings.

“ClarityLogic gives a new meaning to ’smart phone’ and is unlike anything available in today’s standard phones,” continued Trads. “One call to Clarity and our customer service team can remotely diagnose and adjust the settings of the phone. The STAP program enables residents of Texas to get the benefit of this smart phone.”

The XL40D features four tone settings for a customized listening experience and an extra loud speakerphone for hands-free conversations. It also has large backlit keys that speak the number when dialed and offers 12 speed dial buttons.

About STAP and Hearing Loss

The STAP is a voucher program offered by the state of Texas for the purchase of specialized assistive equipment or services by Texas residents whose disability interferes with their ability to access the telephone network. For more information about this program please contact the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at 512-407-3250 or stap@dars.state.tx.us or visit www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/stap.shtml

[Suffering from hearing loss? Family Hearing & Sensory-Neural Center has been appointed Vendor status for FREE amplified telephones and other assistive listening devices for hard of hearing Texans by the Texas Public Utilities Commission STAP program. Call today for more information 936-291-2414]

During the week of November 16, 2009 we are sponsoring a special “open ear” state-of-the-art hearing instruments special featuring Sonic Innovations Touch products. Savings of over 55% off MSRP are being offered along with an additional in-house “must have” package you won’t want to miss. The response to date has been enthusiastic! There are still appointment available. Call today for an appointment. 936 291-241

On Wednesday August 19, 2009 I gave a presentation on the Dynamics of Hearing to the Huntsville Rotary Club. The take-away highlight of the afternoon was the concept that we hear with our brain, not our ears. Equally astonishing to many was the notion that we have six functional transmission sectors to the hearing mechanism rather than just the ear attached to our head. What are they? The outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, eighth nerve, brain stem and auditory cortex.

The presentation included a video from Better Hearing Institute entitled “Spot Light On: Hearing Loss”, narrated by Dr. Vinton Cerf, renowned co-founder of the internet, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor, and VP of Google. Dr. Cerf has worn hearing aids since he was thirteen years old.

To receive a free copy of the DVD just email me at pallred@familyhearingcenter.com with your name and address and we’ll get a copy right out to you.

2008 Family Hearing & Sensory-Neural Center has been appointed Vendor status for FREE amplified telephones and other assistive listening devices for hard of hearing Texans by the Texas Public Utilities Commission STAP program. Call for information. 936 291-2414