Hard of Hearing Interpreter

Somebody asked me on Facebook about being a hard of hearing interpreter. I figured I should blog my response so I don’t have to type it out again next time somebody asks.

The main challenge as a hard of hearing interpreter is that you can’t accept just any job. You have to be able to control the auditory environment. One-on-one situations, like doctor’s appointments, are no problem; concert halls (platform or theatrical interpreting) are difficult and I don’t do those. I actually work in VRS 90% of the time now, as do three other HOH interpreters I know. For me it’s the easiest environment because I use a binaural headset which sits right over my hearing aids and I can hear quite well. Sometimes the hearing aids pick up too much noise from the booths around me, but it’s not usually too bad.

Another issue I have encountered is that some Deaf clients are uneasy about an interpreter with a hearing loss. I wear open-fit BTE hearing aids (Oticon Epoqs, RITE model) and they are definitely visible. In casual conversation, I’ve had people tell me outright they wouldn’t want me to interpret for them. Nobody has ever told me this to my face when interpreting, however – only as casual conversation. It’s a bit discriminatory, because as much as a Deaf person has a right to a qualified interpreter, I have a right to do a job as long as I’m qualified for it. I know my capabilities, and I don’t take jobs I can’t do. Most of the time I just don’t mention my hearing loss and it’s fine.

Identity is an unusual question, and it’s something you’ll have to wrestle with for yourself. I identify as a hard of hearing person. Amongst Deaf people, like my Gallaudet classmates, I’m the “most hearing” person there; amongst hearing people, like my family, I’m the “most deaf” person there!