A pioneering approach to audiology care at Scunthorpe General Hospital is transforming how quickly patients receive hearing aids – and delivering life-changing results.
Building on a successful pilot earlier this year, the audiology team has now achieved a remarkable milestone. Staff in the department recently fitted hearing aids for 75 patients in a single day – a record for the Trust and a significant step forward in improving access to care.
The initiative stems from the introduction of group fitting sessions, which were trialled in May. During the pilot, 59 patients were fitted with hearing aids in one day, almost doubling the number typically seen using traditional one-to-one appointments.
The approach combines individual clinical assessments with a group-based session focused on helping patients manage their hearing aids. This not only shortens waiting times – previously more than 14 weeks for some patients – but also creates opportunities for shared learning, as patients can ask questions and learn from each other’s experiences.
Joanne Sahdeo, Audiology Team Lead at Scunthorpe, said: “Seeing 75 patients in one day is an incredible achievement for the whole team. It really shows what we can do when we work together and think differently about how we deliver care.
“The group model has made a real difference – not just in reducing waiting times, but in helping patients feel more confident using their hearing aids. They can learn from each other as well as from us, which creates a really supportive environment.”
Behind the scenes, meticulous planning played a key role. Structured appointment booking, preparation of equipment and fitting materials, and collaborative problem-solving across sites ensured the day ran smoothly. Staff worked together to resolve equipment issues, organise patient lists, and ensure adequate supplies were in place, helping maintain momentum throughout the day.
The impact on patients has been immediate and positive. Feedback has been overwhelmingly encouraging, with many patients appreciating the reduced waiting times and supportive group environment. One patient captured the emotional significance of the service, sharing their delight at being able to hear everyday sounds again for the first time.
Aaron Sykes, Audiology Lead, said: “It’s a small change in our processes making a real positive improvement for patient care. It’s not cost us anything to implement and all the team are on board. They gave lots of ideas on streamlining the process following the first trial, which made the second day a bigger success.”
Joanne added: “Ultimately, this is about giving people back something really important – their hearing. To see the difference it makes so quickly for patients is hugely rewarding for everyone involved.” Audiology leaders hope the success of the pilot and subsequent large-scale fitting day will pave the way for future adoption of group fitting models across the service, helping even more patients access the “gift of hearing” sooner.