Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Performing Repeated Intraoperative Impedance Telemetry Measurements during Cochlear Implantation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Hurricane Katrina and its effects on a regional cochlear implant program
Michael Lupa1, Timothy Molony, Ronald Amedee
1Tulane University Department of Otolaryngology, LA, USA. mlupa@tulane.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects Hurricane Katrina had on the demographics and outcomes of patients receiving cochlear implantation at our institution.
Design:
This was a retrospective chart review of 179 patients (190 ears) receiving cochlear implantation from January 2003 to December 2007.
Methods:
Paper records and an outcome database were reviewed for analysis.
Results:
The number of implants performed pre-Katrina (pre-K) was 68 (2.1 per month), post-Katrina (post-K) the number rose to 122 (4.3 per month). The percentage of patients paying primarily with public funds (Medicare, Medicaid) was 41.2% pre-K and increased to 55.7% post-K (p=0.067). Post operative pure tone averages were 24.3 ( ± 11.05) dB pre-K and 23.7 ± 11.93) dB post-K (p=0.7272).
Conclusions:
Despite the damage and displacement Hurricane Katrina caused we saw an increase in the number of patients receiving cochlear implants. Our patient population's payment means shifted toward a greater percentage utilizing public funds following the storm . We saw no change in our hearing outcomes as evidenced by PTA.