Jess Kyei-Yamoah is the founder of The Hearing Place, an award-winning independent audiology business bringing compassionate, professional hearing care to communities across York and North Yorkshire. What began as a one-woman venture in 2020 has grown into a thriving family-run clinic with locations across the region, most recently opening its first high-street branch in Haxby Shopping Centre, officially launched with a visit from the Lord Mayor of York.
Jess' Journey
Jess’s career in audiology began after graduating from the University of York in 2006. She trained with Specsavers, where she built her foundational clinical skills over 4½ years before moving to Boots Hearing Care. During her decade there, she took on multiple leadership roles, including supervising students, auditing clinical standards, providing in-field training, and representing her region on national forums.
After nearly 15 years in large-scale organisations, Jess felt ready for something new, a practice where care, time and trust could sit at the centre of every appointment. In the summer of 2020, she took the leap to start her own business. By late 2020, The Hearing Place was born.
About The Hearing Place
Jess launched her independent clinic to meet growing demand for ear-wax removal and hearing-care services delivered with a truly personal touch. The difference was immediate. Clients valued her friendly, professional approach and the clinic’s calm, welcoming environment.
Today, The Hearing Place has expanded into a close-knit team that includes her husband Sam, her mother Helen Overton (a Hearing Care Assistant), her daughter Mya, and colleagues Claire Whitby (audiologist), Caroline Campbell (Client Services Coordinator), and virtual assistant Beki Warriner. Together, they’ve helped more than 10,000 clients improve their hearing and confidence.
The business now operates from multiple locations including Haxby, Clifton Moor, Monks Cross, Malton, Selby, Boston Spa, Sherburn in Elmet, and Easingwold offering both clinic appointments and home-visit services.
October 2025 marked a major milestone with the opening of The Hearing Place’s first high-street clinic in Haxby, transformed from an empty greengrocer’s into a bright, modern space with private treatment rooms and a cosy coffee station.
“We wanted it to be more than a clinic,” says Jess. “Many of our clients live alone, so we hope people feel they can just pop in for a cuppa and a chat.”
The launch event, attended by Councillor Martin Rowley, featured contributions from local businesses worth £650 for The Haxby Hamper prize draw—a testament to the strong community support surrounding the venture.
The Hearing Place has grown into a multi-award-winning business, securing Gold for Best Household Service three years in a row and Silver for Best Independent High Street Business at the YorkMix Choice Awards. The company was also a finalist in three categories at the 2025 Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards, where founder Jessica Kyei-Yamoah was recognised for Leadership Excellence, and the business won the Small Business Services Excellence award.
With the new clinic thriving and a dedicated team in place, Jess feels the business has reached a steady, sustainable phase. “We’re not planning further expansion right now,” she says. “We’ve built something that works beautifully—happy clients, a happy team, and a real sense of purpose.”
Challenges
For Jess, one of the hardest lessons has been learning to say no. “We’ve been so busy, and I hate to let clients down,” she admits. “I used to work evenings and weekends just to fit everyone in.”
She also found herself taking on too much of the day-to-day admin. “I used to think I had to do everything myself, but having a second audiologist and a strong team has taught me to delegate and trust others.”
That shift has allowed her to balance her professional drive with family life without compromising the high standards of care that define The Hearing Place.