Launch of Automated Audiometry Service at Clinic A54
Audiology has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Automated Audiometry Service at Clinic A54 (ENT – Head & Neck Surgery). This new service reimagines how hearing screening is delivered—making it faster, more scalable and more sustainable for both patients and staff at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) and Jurong Community Hospital (JCH).
CEO A/Prof Dan Yock Young testing the Automated Audiometry Service hearing screening booth.
The service features three portable automated audiometry booths within the clinic, occupying just about 5 square metres. Unlike traditional full-sized booths that serve one patient at a time, a single staff member can now oversee up to three patients concurrently, enabling parallel testing while maintaining clinical standards.
This new set‑up directly addresses manpower and cost challenges, delivering greater efficiency without compromising care quality.
Remy New, Head, Audiology, sharing with our senior leaders and preparing the hearing screening booth for Ms Ng Wei Wei, Assistant Director of Nursing, Nursing Adminstration as she sat and waited for a trial hearing screening.
Efficiency gains have been significant:
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Average test time reduced from ~20 minutes to 1.7 minutes per patient
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Patient waiting time improved, with lead time for time‑flexible diagnostic audiometry slots reduced from 42 days to 18 days
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Throughput increased substantially, allowing more patients to be screened each day
Routine screening can now be supported by trained support‑level staff across multiple booths, freeing audiologists to focus on complex diagnostic and rehabilitative cases. This right‑siting improves productivity, supports staff well‑being and strengthens clinical oversight.
Clinic A54 expects at least a 25% reduction in per‑test costs, with further savings as utilisation grows. These savings will be reinvested to:
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Improve affordability and access for patients
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Support staff training and service enhancements
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Enable future innovation
The automated booths are designed for screening, not full diagnostic audiometry. Patients with atypical findings or outside defined criteria will continue to be appropriately escalated to manual or specialist care.
A Model for the Future
This initiative shows how automation, parallel testing and workforce optimisation can expand access, reduce waiting times and support sustainable care delivery.
It also provides a strong foundation for future scaling across the organisation, benefiting both patients and staff.