Audiologist promotes hearing health awareness for World Hearing Day

A York audiologist is raising awareness about hearing health for World Hearing Day (which will take place on March 3).

Jess Kyei-Yamoah runs The Hearing Place in York with her husband Sam; they offer professional ear and hearing care services to people in and around the city.

Ms Kyei-Yamoah said: “The theme of this year’s World Hearing Day is ’empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all,’ and I’m keen to get people talking about how to care for their hearing health.

“We should think of it like seeing the optician; routine checks are important.”

By way of example, Ms Kyei-Yamoah explained that delaying earwax removal can allow it to build up, which, according to her, can lead to “infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and social isolation.”

She added: “Removing wax can not only restore people’s hearing; it gives them back their self-confidence and independence, too – allowing them to socialise or stay in touch with friends and family.

“Giving someone their hearing back can be life changing.”

Ms Kyei-Yamoah noted that regular hearing screenings are another way to look after hearing health, and recommends a hearing test every five years for those aged 50 or over, or every two years for those over 65.

She said: “I strongly believe that ear and hearing health should be accessible to everyone, which is why we offer late night and weekend appointments, and a mobile service, alongside our eight clinic locations.

“If a patient can’t get to our clinics, one of our fully-trained specialists can visit them and remove their earwax in the comfort of their own home.

“We also offer home visits for audiology services, like hearing tests and fitting hearing aids.”

Regarding wax removal, which is no longer available on the NHS, Ms Kyei-Yamoah said: “Wax removal is unfortunately not a regulated service.

“All clinicians at The Hearing Place hold specific audiology or ear-health qualifications.

“They’ve had extensive training, are highly-skilled, and are all voluntary members of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, a professional body committed to upholding the highest standards of audiology.

“If you have an appointment with us, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in very safe hands.”

The Hearing Place offers an earwax removal at home visit for £90, which includes an ear examination, removing any wax from either or both ears using micro-suction, and then a hearing screen.

Patients can also access the same service at one of their regular clinics for £65.

The Hearing Place hosts regular earwax removal clinics at Clifton Moor, Wigginton, and Hull Road in York, as well as in Malton, Selby, Boston Spa, Sherburn In Elmet, and Easingwold.

More information is available by calling 01904 862422 or 07766 615757, or visiting www.hearingplace.co.uk