Meet the Enniscorthy business owner helping Wexford hear better every day

Since opening in April 2022, Doyle Hearing Solutions has been providing the people of Wexford with a trusted, local alternative for hearing care….

Founded by audiologist Yvonne Doyle, the clinic is located in Slaney Place, Enniscorthy, and has quickly become known for its professional yet personal approach to hearing health.

When asked why she decided to launch her own business, Yvonne explained that she wanted to create a more personal, community-focused audiology service.

“I set up Doyle Hearing Solutions to bring an alternative to the High Street providers when it comes to all things related to Audiology issues. For many years there has been little choice of where to go in Wexford and I felt I could provide an alternative on a smaller more personal level. Wexford is my home county so there was also an element of establishing a trusted, locally rooted service serving my own community. I wanted to create a space where people felt heard, supported and understood, not just tested and treated,” she told Wexford Weekly.

Yvonne outlined the three key elements of her business — all designed to give patients the best possible care.

“Firstly I do micro suction wax removal treatment, which is acknowledged as being the safest method to remove wax. This practice has been hugely popular as it is a much easier method of wax removal than the traditional method of syringing the ear to remove. Secondly, I do hearing tests and referrals for ENT consultations. It is so important to get a benchmark for where your hearing is at. People get eyes tested, bloods done annually, yet they tend to overlook their hearing. Three years into my practice, people know they can get hearing tests done without the pressure of being forced to get hearing aids.”

“Thirdly, if someone has a hearing loss and wants to get help with their hearing, I will advise and prescribe hearing aids. I currently deal with six hearing aid manufacturers, and so can advise on which best suits each individual. Many of the High Street providers are owned by or have a contract with one hearing aid manufacturer, and so are restricted in what they can offer.”

When launching Doyle Hearing Solutions, Yvonne received incredible support from the local community and other businesses in the area.

“I was very well supported by the local and wider communities. Local businesses shared news of my opening on their own social media pages. I was invited to give presentations to the local Active Retirement group and the Delightful Dollies in Enniscorthy. Many of the GP practices, both in town and in the surrounding towns, refer their patients to me. I had worked in the industry in Wexford town prior to opening my own business so word of mouth also soon spread the news. I also did some radio advertising with South East Radio and print advertising with the Enniscorthy Guardian and the local Slaney News. I have a website and the Google reviews I get tend to keep my listing pretty high in the search engines. I used Facebook and Instagram pages to create a social media presence too.”

Like any business owner, Yvonne faced some early challenges, from navigating Enniscorthy’s steep streets to managing the financial pressures of setting up a clinic.

“The main challenge in Enniscorthy was the topography of the town!! All those hills can make walking from Slaney Place to the top of the town difficult!! I don’t think there are additional challenges exclusively in Wexford, but I did face the challenges of any new business. Setting up a clinic and purchasing the equipment can be capital-intensive. This can be risky when you don’t know if your business will be a success or not. The commercial rates are very high and it would be a good idea for the Council to possibly give a rates break or reduction for a year or two for a start-up business.”

When asked what makes Doyle Hearing Solutions stand out from the larger chains, Yvonne highlighted the independence and patient-first approach that underpin her practice.

“Running my own practice gives me the freedom to practice Audiology my way (while following best practice guidelines) with time to listen, explain things clearly and make decisions based on care, not quotas. That autonomy makes my work feel more genuine and fulfilling. The larger High Street stores are just not able to offer that level of service.”

“I have a completely independent clinic and work with six different hearing aid manufacturers, so I can offer impartial advice on which aid works best for different types of hearing loss. If an individual is ready to try hearing aids, I offer a trial period before they commit to purchasing to give them the security that they are making the right decision for them,” Yvonne told Wexford Weekly.

Despite competing with big-name brands like Specsavers, Yvonne believes there’s room for everyone in the market. She believes that her tailored service appeals to those looking for a long-term relationship with a trusted audiologist.

“I think there is always room in the market for competition and it ensures that the standards are maintained. People are aware there is more choice today and they do their research and read reviews etc. Obviously, I don’t have the Marketing or Advertising budgets that Hidden Hearing or Specsavers have, but I think that they have raised awareness around ear care in general and that can only be a positive thing.”

“Wexford has a growing number of older people. According to the CSO in 2022, those aged 65 and older increased by 25% since 2016. Older age correlates with higher incidence of hearing loss with greater demand for ongoing audiology services. There will always be people who prefer a more tailored personal approach, as once you are a hearing aid user, it is the start of an ongoing relationship with your Audiologist, so you want to ensure there is the ongoing back up and support for when you need it.”

Finally, Yvonne shared some valuable advice for anyone thinking of starting their own business.

“Know your strengths and weaknesses. You need to know why you are starting the business and then research the market thoroughly. You need to know who your customers are, who your competitors are and to know where to pitch your business. I knew my professional business inside out but had no experience of running a business, so I spoke to Local Enterprise Office in Wexford who provided me with information on courses and where I could access help and mentoring I might need,” she told Wexford Weekly.

“I took full advantage of this and did one of their excellent Start Your Own Business courses. You need to mind your finances from day one and not be afraid to charge for your expertise. Stay alert to changes in the Industry and attend seminars and workshops so you can adapt to those changes. Being honest, consistent and generous with your time will ensure you build trust. Success in your reputation will follow.”

With her expertise, independence, and deep connection to her community, Yvonne Doyle has carved out a respected space in Wexford’s hearing care landscape — proving that local businesses with a personal touch can make a lasting impact.