Makkah, Saudi Arabia — King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah has introduced a significant healthcare innovation: remote cochlear tuning. This new telemedicine service allows patients to receive real-time cochlear implant adjustments from home — a first in both the Middle East and Africa.
The Cochlear Implant Center at KAMC has completed more than 250 implant surgeries since it opened. Now, with Cochlear’s Remote Assist technology, audiologists can adjust sound processors without in-person visits. This approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to promote digital, patient-centered care.
Dr. Faris Al-Ghamdi, Head of Audiology and Balance at the center, led the project. He explained that remote tuning removes the need for travel while keeping the same clinical quality as in-person sessions. Officials at the Makkah Health Cluster added that it improves efficiency and enhances the patient experience.
The center also achieved Level A accreditation for post-implant rehabilitation, a mark of compliance with global standards. Dr. Adel bin Abdulqader Tash, CEO of KAMC, said this advancement reflects the hospital’s commitment to proactive and humane innovation.
Remote Cochlear Tuning: Patient Impact and Clinical Precision
Remote tuning helps patients save time and avoid travel. During virtual sessions, clinicians adjust sound processor settings and evaluate hearing performance in real time. Notably, a 2021 study confirmed that remote programming is as effective as in-person care, especially in developed healthcare systems like that of the U.S.
Regional Leadership and Future Outlook
KAMC is now recognized as a regional leader in remote audiology services. The center joins international institutions using Nucleus-branded implants and Cochlear Remote Assist. As Saudi Arabia expands telemedicine access, this model could serve more rural areas and other specialties.
This digital milestone combines expert-level care with greater accessibility. KAMC’s remote cochlear tuning sets a new benchmark for high-precision, technology-enabled healthcare in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Standard’s View: A Model for Scalable Digital Care
KAMC’s remote tuning breakthrough shows how complex specialties can adopt digital tools without losing quality. In areas with limited access to specialized care, this model offers a scalable and sustainable solution.
As healthcare continues shifting toward hybrid models, Remote Assist proves that clinical precision and decentralization can go hand in hand. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims for personalized, tech-driven care — and KAMC is bringing that vision to life.
This success story is more than a local first. It’s a clear sign of what the future holds for digital medicine in the region.
