Federal interpreters suffer 'acoustic shock,' other concussion-like symptoms

Nearly one-quarter of the interpreters employed by Ottawa'sTranslation Bureau have suffered health issues directly related to their jobs, including acoustic shock caused by sudden, loud sounds.

Seventeen of thebureau's 72 permanent interpreters have filed a total of 28 complaints over the last three years, according to the federal institution.

It feels as though somebody took a hammer to both your earsat the same time.- Craig Pollocl, interpreter

According to the union representing the workers, the complaints involveconcussion-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, fainting, disorientation and even hearing loss. In six cases, the employees requiredimmediate medical attention.

"We hope that we have a solution within the next18 to 24 months," saidStphanDry, chief executive officer of the bureau, which falls under the umbrella of Public Services and Procurement Canada. "The health and safety of our interpreters is important to us and we're working with them, with the union [and]with the international association."

Dry saidthe government is asking clients to ensure their own systems areequipped with decibel-limiting technologyto help prevent acoustic shock.

Acoustic shock

Interpreters working for the bureau translate live conferences, parliamentary committees and debates in the House of Commons on a daily basis.

Dry confirmed many of the cases reportedinvolved acoustic shock,which can occur after exposure to a single extremely loud sound or continual exposure to a sound at a lesser intensity.

AudiologistNancyLvesquesaid sufferers often complain ofpain in their ears, sensitivity to soundandtinnitus constant ringing in the ears.

"It happens often with people wearing headsets," she said.

Long-term effects

Craig Pollock, who has worked as an interpreter for 19 years in both the private and public sectors, including at the Translation Bureau, has suffered numerous acoustic shocks.

"It feels as though somebody took a hammer to both your earsat the same timeand hit them," he said."It just leaves you reeling ... dizzy [and] nauseous."

Pollock said he suffers fromtinnitus in his left ear and has diminished hearing in bothears.

"I won't turn up my volume now in order to hear when the level of sound and the quality of sound aren't good enough," he said."I will simply say, 'I'm sorry, the interpreter can't interpret because the sound quality isn't there.'"

New system coming

The federal government has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for thedevelopment ofadigital interpretation platformthatbetter controls sound and protects the hearing of interpreters working remotely.

"The Translation Bureau hasexperienced a sharp increase in over-the-phone interpretation assignments ... [and] the sound quality coming from various devices, such as conference phones andcellphonesdoes not meet the [InternationalOrganization for Standardization]standards required for quality simultaneous interpretation and creates other challenges with respect to occupational health and safety for interpreters who deliver the service," according to the tender notice.

The Translation Bureau plans to spend $450,000 over 2 years for thenew system, which will include video interface and be simpler forremote clients to use.