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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
The Laryngoscope
|January 13, 2011
Summary
Hurricane Katrina increased cochlear implant surgeries, shifting patient demographics towards public insurance. Hearing outcomes remained stable post-surgery despite the storm
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
- Disaster Medicine
Background:
- Hurricane Katrina significantly impacted healthcare access and patient demographics.
- Understanding post-disaster healthcare utilization is crucial for public health preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic and outcome changes in patients undergoing cochlear implantation following Hurricane Katrina.
- To assess the impact of the hurricane on patient payment sources and audiological results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 179 patients (2003-2007).
- Analysis of pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina data.
- Inclusion of paper records and an outcome database.
Main Results:
- Cochlear implantation rates increased from 2.1 to 4.3 per month post-Katrina.
- The proportion of patients using public funds (Medicare, Medicaid) rose from 41.2% to 55.7%.
- Postoperative pure tone averages showed no significant change (p=0.7272).
Conclusions:
- Hurricane Katrina led to an increase in cochlear implantations and a shift towards public funding.
- Hearing outcomes, measured by pure tone average, were unaffected by the hurricane.
- The study highlights the resilience of cochlear implant services and changing patient demographics post-disaster.