One year ago today, I opened the doors to Hear With Ish at 36 Princess Road West, Leicester — and honestly, I still have to pinch myself.
For over 15 years I worked as an audiologist in the NHS, starting out in paediatrics and falling in love with helping people hear the world around them. I trained at De Montfort University right here in Leicester, won Student of the Year in 2003, and went on to gain experience internationally — including a placement at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. I’ve worked across adult audiology, paediatric services, tinnitus management, and hearing therapy. Every patient taught me something new.
But there was always this little voice (no pun intended) saying — you could do more. You could take everything you’ve learned and create something really special. Something personal. Something where people aren’t just a number on a waiting list.
So last April, as a mum of three, I took the leap.
I won’t pretend it wasn’t terrifying. Setting up a clinic from scratch, choosing the right equipment, figuring out how to be a business owner AND a clinician AND a mum all at once. There were late nights, early mornings, and a LOT of tea.
But the thing that kept me going? YOU. Every single person who walked through my door and trusted me with their hearing. The gentleman who teared up when he heard his grandchildren clearly for the first time. The couple who came in together because “we need to stop shouting at each other.” The lovely lady who told me in Asda that she was “so proud of me” — I nearly cried in the cereal aisle.
In 12 months, I’ve built partnerships with 5 leading hearing aid manufacturers — Phonak, Starkey, ReSound, Oticon, and Widex — so I can offer the perfect fit for every ear and every lifestyle. I provide 7 specialist services from hearing assessments and tinnitus management to earwax removal and bespoke hearing protection. I’ve been honoured with an Audiologist of the Quarter award and was even a finalist at the Leicestershire Business Awards.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story. What means the most is the community we’re building right here in Leicester. The trust, the conversations, the follow-up calls just to check you’re doing okay. That’s what Hear With Ish is about.
And now, to celebrate turning ONE, I want to give something back.
Throughout the whole of April, I’m offering a FREE in-person hearing test to anyone aged 65 and over. No catch, no obligation — just a proper, thorough check-up with someone who genuinely cares about your hearing.
So if you’ve got a parent or grandparent who’s been saying “what?” a bit more than usual, or if YOU’RE over 65 and haven’t had your hearing checked in a while — this one’s for you. Bring them in. Bring yourself in. Let’s make sure you’re hearing everything life has to offer.
Here’s to year two — I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thank you, Leicester. Thank you for believing in me.
Ish x
📞 0116 319 2987
📧 info@hearwithish.com
📍 36 Princess Road West, Leicester, LE1 6TP