28 Feb Hearing Loops: “The Wheelchair Ramp of the Hard of Hearing” – Enabling Truly Accessible Travel

How Contacta is helping to change US air travel

When we talk about accessible travel, mobility is often the first consideration—wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, adaptive parking. But what about hearing accessibility? For travellers with hearing loss, missed announcements and unclear boarding calls can lead to missed flights or travel mishaps. That’s why hearing loops are often referred to as the “wheelchair ramp of the hard of hearing”—an essential accommodation in truly inclusive travel experiences. 

Bridging the Gap in Accessibility

While UK airports have long embraced hearing loops, and installations across Europe, the Far East, and Australia have grown steadily, airports in the United States have historically lagged behind in adopting such systems. That is now changing—and Contacta’s technology is key to that progress.

At Greater Rochester International Airport in New York, 23 HLD9 hearing loop drivers now support audio clarity at departure gates and across two concourses. In Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, our systems are integrated into the PA setup and configured with a phased-array design to keep each gate’s loop signal localised—avoiding audio overspill and confusion.

Why This Matters for Accessible Travel

According to Stephen Frazier in Sound and Communications magazine, approximately one-fifth of the 2.5 million annual travellers at Greater Rochester Airport have measurable hearing loss. Hearing loops—built to international standards and compatible with telecoil-enabled hearing aids—unlock clear, reliable sound for these travellers, making them a cornerstone of accessible travel solutions.

But technology alone isn’t enough. To truly realise accessible travel, additional support such as staff awareness, text-based services, visual announcements, and alternative communication tools must be part of the journey. 

Contacta’s Role in Enabling Inclusive Experiences

We’re proud that Contacta’s systems are helping redefine the travel experience for people with hearing loss, delivering both freedom and confidence at every step of the journey. Our mission remains clear: to expand hearing accessibility across airports throughout the U.S., contributing to travel that’s truly accessible for all.