Ottawa (Reuters) - The Canadian Public Services and Procurement Agency said it is investigating the reasons that led to a parliamentary language interpreter needing an ambulance last week, adding that it is the third hospital admission case in recent years.

The agency's spokesperson, Catherine Prolix, wrote, "The translation office is very concerned about this incident" at the Senate Environment Committee on October 20.

Two witnesses testified via video conference with poor audio quality and did not wear the recommended headphones with a microphone stick. During questions from senators, noise was heard while the first witness was speaking, and when the second witness responded to senators' questions, there was a sudden moment of loud reactions.

Prolix wrote: "There were reactions in the sound system, and the interpreter was exposed to an acoustic shock and then received emergency care." The ministry added that interpreters required emergency care twice in the past five years before the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Acoustic shocks happen when the inner ear muscles are surprised by sudden sounds, such as someone clicking on a microphone or suddenly speaking louder when the interpreter is straining to hear them. Experts testified before Parliament that many staff on leave suffer from concussion-like symptoms and loud ringing in the ears or dizziness.

With frequent absences, officials began contracting with contractors of lower credentials to fill gaps. The Canadian Association of Professional Employees argued that last week's meeting should have been stopped at the injury time and instead the translation office supervisor took responsibility as the freelancer was taken out of the room where she collapsed.

Before virtual appearances, the Senate asks witnesses to use appropriate headphones and offers reimbursement of up to $100 pre-tax to purchase one. The House of Commons set that amount at $175. "Each participant is required to use wired headphones with an integrated microphone to ensure optimal sound quality for simultaneous interpretation."

As stated in the Senate instruction paper from January 2021, which specifically prohibits the use of earbuds, however, the injury occurred in a session where one witness wore earbuds and the other was equipped with headphones without a microphone stick.

The House of Commons spokesperson, Emily Crosson, wrote: "Senate Administration staff and committee chairs make decisions about committee work, including witness participation." The office of Senator Paul Massicotte, who chaired the meeting, referred questions to Senate Administration. Senate spokesperson Allison Korn wrote: "When interpreters indicate that sound quality prevents them from interpreting, witnesses are told they cannot continue." She said this happened at last Thursday's meeting, but the official recording shows the testimony continued in full. The House of Commons audiovisual team retains some Senate equipment, including the room where the incident occurred.

The House spokesperson Emily Crosson wrote that they inspected the room after the incident and concluded that the controls work normally and provide simultaneous interpreters with hearing protection. Prolix said the translation office "will also conduct an internal investigation and share its results with key stakeholders when available." Crosson added that the audiovisual team conducts repeated checks to ensure all systems meet international safety regulations.

The House of Commons, through working with its partners, has made efforts to ensure that any issues are addressed proactively or as they arise, to enhance the remote participant experience, improve hybrid procedure quality, and protect simultaneous interpreters. Edited by: Yusra Bamtaref