Panasonic Expands on Hearing Instrument Lineup

December 2011

Expanding on Panasonic's line of hearing instruments, Panasonic Healthcare Group today announced the launch of the Panasonic JZ Power WH-105JZ hearing instrument with binaural audio headset.

A second generation of the JZ Series' WH-103JZ, the new JZ Power WH-105JZ, designed for mild to severe hearing loss, utilizes innovative technology to expand on hearing range as compared with previous generation models. A palm-sized unit featuring an LCD screen and a stereo binaural headset (earphone with microphones) which is designed to comfortably fit into the ear canal and stay in place for long hours of wear, the new JZ Power provides ease-of-use in a simple, user-friendly design.

Available in blue, black and silver, this digital hearing instrument features five channels and additional functions which aid in hearing capability including noise reduction, wind noise management, feedback management, L/R balance and Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Additionally, slide power switch and volume control are easily accessible for individuals with dexterity challenges or impaired vision. To create optimal sound in various listening settings, the Scene Selector Function allows for four fixed scene modes, standard, music, party and indoors. The JZ Power includes a rechargeable battery that can easily be charged by placing the main unit in the charging cradle, or it can use commercial AAA alkaline batteries.

"Panasonic is committed to providing the best new hearing products to enhance the consumer lifestyle," said Yoshi Yuasa, Senior Vice President of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "With the introduction of the JZ Power, Panasonic is ensuring our customers receive innovative technologies to create advanced hearing solutions to fit a wide variety of lifestyles."

"Panasonic is committed to a series of unique hearing solutions using the JZ form factor," said Delain D. Wright, Director of Sales, Panasonic Corporation of North America, Healthcare Group. "With the new JZ Power Panasonic can help an even broader segment of the hearing impaired who are challenged by the difficulty of managing traditional hearing instruments."

The Panasonic JZ Power WH-105JZ will be available December 1, 2011. For more information on the entire Panasonic line-up of hearing instruments, visit www.panasonic.com/hearing. To become a distributor or provider of Panasonic Hearing Instruments, please call 1-888-422-6309 to learn more.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics brand to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Panasonic's Healthcare Group