Dubai International Airport Enhances Accessibility with Over 500 Hearing Loop Systems
In a significant stride towards inclusivity, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has implemented more than 500 state-of-the-art hearing loop systems across its three terminals. This initiative, which commenced in 2023, aims to improve accessibility for hearing-impaired passengers, thereby ensuring a seamless travel experience for all individuals. Partnering with Contacta, a leader in assistive technology, Topland, the regional GCC partner, played a pivotal role in the successful integration of these systems into the bustling airport environment.
Dubai’s commitment to accessibility is enshrined in its Universal Design Code, which mandates that buildings and transportation facilities cater to the diverse needs of all citizens and visitors. The installation of these hearing loop systems is not merely an enhancement of service; it is a fundamental aspect of the airport’s vision to provide inclusive travel solutions to a diverse passenger demographic, comprised of over 90 million travelers annually.
In light of the project’s ambitious goals, engineers from Topland undertook meticulous surveys of high-traffic interaction points throughout the airport. These included check-in areas, customs locations, lounges, shopping outlets, food courts, and money exchange counters. Collaborating with the Contacta business development team, they developed tailored recommendations and specifications designed to optimize each installation, ensuring that every inch of the airport contributes to an accessible experience.
“Working on such a large-scale project has been one of the most notable undertakings for our products internationally,” remarked Ran Meyrav, Head of Business Development at Contacta. “By partnering closely with Topland, we have been able to provide invaluable support and insights that have resulted in clear sound transmission, free from the cacophony that typically defines an airport environment. Our goal is to empower passengers with hearing loss to communicate effortlessly, transforming their overall travel experience.”
In driving the implementation of this initiative, Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, stressed the importance of technological advancement in enhancing the overall passenger experience. “Collaborating with partners such as Topland and Contacta has allowed us to roll out pioneering assistive technology across all touchpoints in our terminals, ensuring that our guests with hearing loss are able to navigate their journey with clarity and confidence,” he stated.
Preparation for the installation of the systems included a comprehensive training program for staff members, enabling them to understand not only how the hearing loop systems function but also their critical importance in fostering inclusivity for passengers with hearing impairments. Andy Faulkner, CEO of Topland, emphasized the preparatory efforts made before installation, which included conducting trials at key locations. “We recognized the necessity of having the staff well-prepared prior to the installations. To that end, we worked diligently alongside Dubai Airports to develop an effective staff training program that prioritized both technical understanding and awareness,” Faulkner explained.
The project involved the careful installation of 520 Contacta counter hearing loop systems, necessitating precision and efficiency, especially during peak busy periods like holiday seasons. “The airport environment presents unique challenges, as there are virtually no quiet hours available. Our team had to navigate this turbulence and operate with minimal disruption,” Faulkner added.
Given the varied design constraints of the counters throughout the airport, the selection of Contacta’s IL-K200 under-counter loop system, featuring a halo microphone, was strategic. Its compact design allowed for flexible placement, which was critical given the limited space in numerous locations.
Faulkner concluded by highlighting the dual advantages of the product for passengers and airport staff alike: “Our longstanding partnership with Contacta has equipped us to offer outstanding pre-sales and post-sales support, including product training and maintenance. Not only do these under-counter hearing loops deliver exceptional sound quality for users of hearing aids, but they also require minimal staff intervention and are straightforward to operate.”
The project’s next phase will see the introduction of portable hearing loops in airport locations where fixed installations are impractical, further reinforcing Dubai International Airport’s commitment to ensuring an accessible environment.
With these advancements, Dubai positions itself as a beacon of accessibility within the aviation industry, setting a compelling precedent for other international airports aiming to cater more effectively to the needs of all passengers.
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