Instant Hearing
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
10 October 2025
The project aims to address the significant waiting time for patients at CGH to receive hearing aids after their ENT. The initiative not only enables patients to receive their hearing aids faster but also improves overall patient experience and brings.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 10 October 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Quality Improvement, Access To Care, Waiting Time
About this Content
Aims
The project aims to address the significant waiting time for patients at CGH to receive hearing aids after their ENT appointment and to reduce the negative impacts of extended auditory deprivation.
Background
The prevalence of hearing loss increases with an aging population, leading to social isolation and increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly. The traditional model of clinical practice for hearing aid service provision involves multiple appointments, contributing to long waiting times.
Methods
A series of measures were implemented, including opening more appointment slots, triaging patients, and introducing instant fitting of stock hearing aids during the first appointment. The project was initiated by the CGH Audiology department and involved collaboration with external vendors.
Results
The measures resulted in a significant reduction in average waiting time for hearing aid appointments from 18 weeks in July 2023 to 8 weeks in May 2024, sustained until December 2024. The initiative also brought forward a total revenue of $1,017,000 to the hospital by an average of 8 weeks.
Conclusion
The initiative not only enables patients to receive their hearing aids faster but also improves overall patient experience and brings cost benefits. The project demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective approach to improving hearing aid service provision.
Lessons Learnt
The team plans to fine-tune and improve the processes. Regular focus group discussions will be carried out to identify and resolve issues quickly. The selection process for 'instant fit' patients will be improved using available data.
Keywords
Audiology, Hearing Aids, Workflow, Productivity, Cost Saving
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Changi General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Audiology |
Project Lead(s) | Lee Lock Hey Steven |
Project Member(s) | Hazel Yeo Kai Hui |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr. Lee Lock Hey Steven - Steven_Lee_Lock_Hey@cgh.com.sg