Lennox Hearing .... helping people since 2007

Francis Lennox, Lennox Hearing Care Clinic

Led by Francis Lennox. Lennox Hearing Care Clinic is a family run practice, providing hearing aids in Cork. Lennox Hearing has actively treated people of all ages with hearing loss for over 30 years. The symptoms of hearing impairment will vary depending on what is causing the condition. Some people experience a sudden, profound loss of hearing, perhaps as a result of a viral infection, or an injury to their head or ears. In other cases, a person’s hearing will gradually get worse over a long period of time (age-related hearing loss).

Mary, Lennox Hearing Care Clinic

The team provide a professional service to the highest industry standards in a relaxed and welcoming environment. One of their aims is helping people with a suspected hearing loss overcome social stigmatisation and isolation. According to the world health organisation, hearing aids may improve the ability to communicate in at least 90% of people with hearing loss. Their qualified, empathetic Hearing Aid Audiologists are available to help you or a loved one who may be experiencing hearing loss. They provide Siemens hearing aids, hearing amplifiers, phonak hearing aids, phonak, digital hearing aids, small hearing aids as well as behind the ear hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are very small and discreet and can be worn inside or behind your ear. The microphone picks up sound, which is made louder by the amplifier. Hearing aids are fitted with devices that can distinguish between background noise, such as traffic, and foreground noise, such as conversation.

We chatted with the owner Francis, a veteran in the hearing business for over 31 years who is as passionate about helping people as he is about his family.

How did your business begin?

I began working in the industry back in 1988 with various companies and in 2007 I went into private practice and founded Lennox Hearing Care Clinic.

Where did your company name come from?

As it is a family practice, we decided to use the family name and make it personal with our clients. There is even more accountability when your family name is over the door, but there is also familiarity.

Are you doing what you thought you would be five years ago?

Yes, and more our reputation is getting stronger and stronger. Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, so our business is built quite a bit on referrals.

Where do you see your company in 12 months?

To carry on what we are doing, to continuing building our brand and what we have. As a brand we have achieved so much, we try to stay innovative and keep the customers coming through the door.

What drives you?

The satisfaction of helping people out of a silent world and to get back their quality of life again time. Every day technology just amazes me and what we offer clients old and young.

What is your company ethos?

To listen, be kind and caring to all our clients.

What is the best thing you have learned from the worst boss you ever had?

To be honest, I have never had a bad boss, so I have only ever picked up positives from them and added my own ethos.

How do you start your day?

With a positive outlook to life and I look forward to the day ahead. A positive outlook is so important in he day to day work life, especially when you are dealing with the public. They pick up on your mood, so it is important that I am positive for them too.

How do you end your day?

I look forward to going home and relaxing with the family.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

Running a private practice, you are tuned in 24/7 but I seem to balance it well between both work and family life. I have a strong team and I love what I do.

How important is upskilling to you?

We never stop learning and we are always keeping up to date with the latest hearing technology and our C.P.D points on a regular basis. It is important for us to evolve, for ourselves and for our customers. We want always, to offer them the best.

How have your market strategies changed over the last few years?

Social media has taken over for us over the last 10 years. So many people turn to a device for advice, and we will always stay on top of marketing trends from that perspective. We want people to be able to find us

As a boss, what do you look for in an employee?

Loyalty and honesty are the two most important qualities for any employee. It means that you can communicate effectively and be honest with them. It creates the best kind of work environment.

What’s the most inspiring book you have ever read?

I Dare You by W. Clemant Stone.

How can one find a mentor?

I was lucky my Dad was a great mentor and my best friend.

Describe yourself in one word?

Caring.

If you couldn’t do what you are doing now for a living, what would you do?

A chef or something in hospitality.

If you won the lotto, would you keep working?

I would keep the practice running and still have an input and delegate.

Share an anecdote with us that illustrates your business self in action.

To quote Richard Branson- “Be good to your employees and they will look after your clients”

What’s your greatest weakness?

Fish and chips and a Gordon’s Gin & Tonic.

Who inspires you?

My wife Mary.

Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your life?

Going into private practice and taking a chance.

What do you do in your free time?

I love going for walks in Crosshaven and the local coast.

Tell us the most interesting thing about you that we couldn’t learn from your resume alone.

I played soccer for Casement Celtic in Ballyphehane. I played in goal for Nemo Rangers under the care of the great Billy Morgan. I was on the Irish Youths International panel 1978-1979 under the care of John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Ray Tracy (RIP) and played league of Ireland football with Cork Celtic and Cork United under the management of Noel O ’Mahoney and under the guidance of the great Alex Ludzic.

How do you motivate people?

Teach and always praise them.

How would you describe your team?

Kind, caring and positive.