Heather Peachey, a level 6 BSL interpreter from Barton-upon-Humber, said she was the only qualified, registered interpreter in North or North-East Lincolnshire.
She began signing when her younger sister was diagnosed profoundly deaf aged five.
However, she said becoming a qualified interpreter was not easy.
“I had to stop part way because I ran out of money. I eventually became registered about 14 years ago after my dad left me the money to complete the training.
“It’s the same as learning any other language, it’s all self funded. There are very few universities offering BSL units.
“If you take somebody who’s never signed before, they’re probably looking at six, seven years to become competent and qualified as an interpreter.”
Signature, the BSL exam board, said learning to become a level 6 interpreter was likely to cost about £6,000, depending on the training provider.
‘Few and far between’
Only experienced, level 6 interpreters can attend medical appointments and surgeries, according to the NRCPD, a voluntary regulator for language service professionals.
It lists five interpreters living within 25 miles of Hull.
Sarah Regan, the residential manager at the Hull Deaf Centre, said qualified individuals were “few and far between”.
“There’s just not enough training. If you went into any school in Hull and asked them what they want to do, I doubt you’d get one coming back saying they want to be a BSL interpreter.
“The people who are learning sign language, paying out of their own pockets, should be applauded and encouraged financially with some money from the government.”