Work-related cumulative trauma disorders and interpreters for the deaf

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Audiology

Background:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has increased employment for interpreters for the deaf.
• The demanding nature of interpreting involves rapid, repetitive hand and arm movements.
• This repetitive work places interpreters at risk for cumulative trauma disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify work experiences and physical pain/discomfort in interpreters for the deaf.
• To investigate the correlation between work hours and pain onset/duration.
• To highlight the physical stresses associated with interpreting.

Main Methods:

• A survey questionnaire was distributed to 145 interpreters for the deaf.
• Data collected included work experiences and physical pain/discomfort.
• Statistical analysis was used to identify correlations.

Main Results:

• 82% (119) of respondents reported disabling pain/discomfort related to work.
• Pain incidence and duration correlated positively with hours worked.
• 33% (39) of those in pain reported onset in the wrist and hand.

Conclusions:

• Interpreting for the deaf can lead to debilitating pain in the hands, arms, shoulders, and back.
• Proper preparation is needed to mitigate physical and attentional stresses.
• Recommendations include incorporating rest periods and providing training on minimizing physical stress.