Fixed and Portable Loops to Enhance Accessibility

On Friday 6th November 2026, the Ripollet City Council began installing fixed hearing loops at the Social Rights offices and the Citizen Services Office (OAC), marking the start of a broader initiative to improve access for residents with hearing impairments. The system uses magnetic loops to transmit sound directly to cochlear implants or hearing aids with a 'T-setting', cutting out background noise. Two fixed devices have already been installed at the OAC, one at reception and another at a citizen service desk. Over the coming days, additional fixed loops will be fitted at the Cultural Centre, Ripollet Impulsa, the Municipal Sports Centre, the Casa del Comú, the Municipal Library, and the ticket office of the Teatre Auditori.

Portable Devices for Interviews and Public Events

The council has also acquired three portable individual hearing loops. One will remain at the Social Rights offices, while the other two will be used in facilities where personal interviews are common, such as Ripollet Impulsa and the Casa del Comú, which hosts Housing, Urban Planning, Municipal Services, and Environment departments. Additionally, a long-range portable FM loop has been purchased for use in audience spaces like the Teatre Auditori and the main hall of the Cultural Centre. This system includes 14 devices, seven for headphones and seven for cochlear implants or hearing aids, enabling multiple users to benefit during public events. The total cost of the equipment was €13,233.17. Technicians from the company EnBucle provided training to facility staff on how to operate both the portable units and the fixed installations.

Part of Broader Accessibility Efforts

This initiative follows accessibility measures introduced during Ripollet’s 2026 Festa Major, including vibrating backpacks at concerts, portable hearing loops at events, a quiet space at the Cultural Centre, noise-free hours at fairground attractions, elevated viewing platforms for people with reduced mobility, and sign language interpretation at select events. Wristbands for priority access were also distributed to people with disabilities. Further details on inclusive services during the Festa Major are available on the inclusive fair webpage.

Sources: Ripollet, fmwripollet.cat, ripollet.cat.