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July 18, 2006

Clearsounds And The CLA7 Amplified Neckloop A Resounding Success at HLAA

From: Americans for Better Hearing Foundation - Jul 18, 2006

Orlando FL. Reporting from the 2006 HLAA Annual Convention. One of the most notable product hits of the Convention was the CLA7 Amplified Neckloop from ClearSounds Communications. Consumer comment was consistently positive and the buzz around the convention had assistive equipment vendors getting a lot of referrals. For people lucky enough to be living in CA, TX and WI, the CLA7 is part of those programs. DDTP in CA provides the CLA7 free to qualified state residents and the CLA7 is part of the voucher programs in Texas and Wisconsin. Other distribution programs should be adding this product. It is an excellent accessory with multiple uses.

The CLA7 was rated very highly by HLAA attendees for its sound quality, amplification and multi-functional capabilities. Originally designed to work with cell phones as a hands-free device for t-coil users, the CLA7 also works very effectively with cordless telephones. With the included 3.5mm adapter the CLA7 works very well with corded telephones like Ameriphone’s XL30, XL40 and XL50 and with the ClearSounds CSC50 and with audio devices like iPods, radios, personal listening devices, etc. Cellular manufacturers like Sony Ericsson and Motorola are recommending the CLA7 for their phones. Consumers can purchase the CLA7 from Verizon Wireless and most good assistive device companies like AT&T, BellSouth, HITEC, Harris, HARC, Sound Clarity, SoundBytes, etc.

At the show, we learned that BellSouth, a major telecommunications company, private labels the CLA7 and all the ClearSounds products. Widely known for product quality and commitment to its consumers with hearing loss, BellSouth has selected and branded the entire ClearSounds product line as BellSouth. This is a huge endorsement for ClearSounds. BellSouth is very selective and aggressively tests the products branded BellSouth. According to Andy Olson, “BellSouth looked at everybody but selected ClearSounds products because of the outstanding product functionality and quality and the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of people with hearing loss.”

Michele Ahlman, President of ClearSounds, stated, “We are extremely pleased and proud to have major companies like BellSouth and AT&T (formally SBC) select ClearSounds and our products as their recommended solution for people with hearing loss. ClearSounds products are the only assistive technology products that have undergone the extensive and rigorous testing required by telephone companies. The BellSouth requirements are very strict and are designed to make sure the consumer gets only the very best. For our dealers and distributors, for the state distribution programs, and most importantly, for our end users, our commitment to the BellSouth standards is their assurance that these products meet and exceed the strictest quality and performance standards in the industry.”

For Angela, a HLAA conference attendee, the CLA7 was recommended by a friend who had already tried it as the ideal accessory to use with her cell phone and home phones. When she tried it at the Sony Ericsson booth she was very pleasantly surprised that her friend’s recommendation was only half true. The CLA7 did more than she expected. In addition to successfully using the CLA7 with her cell phone, she found that, with the CLA7 and audio adapter, she could hear music so clearly that she started crying spontaneously. Richard Uzuanis, who was showing her the product capabilities using an iPod, thought the volume was too high and was hurting her. She quickly informed him that the tears were tears of joy and that she had not heard music so clearly in years and could not hold back her emotions. The CLA7 Neckloop was her “accessory in shining armor.”

About ABHF. The Americans for Better Hearing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the National Heritage Foundation. Its mission is to work with and educate primary care physicians and consumers about the importance of diagnosing and testing for hearing loss and to educate both doctors and consumers about the solutions available for hearing loss. For more information on ABHF, contact Patti Sears Hutchinson at execdir@abhf.org or go to www.abhf.org. To assist in their important mission, tax deductible donations may be sent to the Americans for Better Hearing Foundation, PO Box 446, Hinsdale, IL 60522.

About ClearSounds Communications: ClearSounds is a newer manufacturer of innovative solutions for people with a hearing loss and other disabilities. For more information on all the ClearSounds Products, contact ClearSounds at 800.965.9043 or go to www.clearsounds.com. Ask your state distribution or voucher program about the ClearSounds products in their program. If not currently available ask them how they can be made available in your state’s program.

About BellSouth: BellSouth is a multi-billion dollar communications company with primary operations in the Southeastern quadrant of the US. BellSouth branded products are sold throughout the US. BellSouth has a major commitment to accessible solutions and products for people with hearing loss through the BellSouth Special Needs Center at 1-800-982-2891 or go to www.bellsouthspecialneeds.com.