LM107 - Audiological and Vestibular Care of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor and non-motor systems, including auditory and vestibular function. Patients with PD experience higher rates of dizziness, imbalance, hearing loss, and communication difficulties, which increase fall risk and reduce quality of life. This session will review evidence linking PD to central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction, highlight audiological and vestibular assessment strategies, and discuss current rehabilitation approaches. Interventions such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, hearing aids, and interprofessional care will be emphasized, equipping audiologists with practical tools to improve patient outcomes and family-centered care.

Summary: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally associated with motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. However, there is a growing body of evidence that highlights the significant burden of non-motor symptoms, including auditory and vestibular dysfunction, which have historically been overlooked in patient care. Dizziness, imbalance, and hearing difficulties are more prevalent in individuals with PD than in age-matched peers, contributing to elevated fall risk, reduced communication ability, and diminished quality of life. Despite the clinical importance of these sensory impairments, many patients do not receive comprehensive audiological or vestibular care.

This learning lab will provide audiologists with an advanced, evidence-based framework for understanding and addressing vestibular and auditory dysfunction in PD. We will synthesize research on the neuropathology of PD—including the presence of Lewy bodies in central vestibular structures—and its implications for vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflexes. Current data on vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), caloric responses, subjective visual vertical measures, and ocular motor testing in PD will be reviewed, alongside evidence for peripheral and central mechanisms of dysfunction. We will also examine the role of hearing loss in PD, with emerging evidence linking auditory decline to disease onset, progression, and poorer health outcomes.

The instructional level for this session is intermediate, with the expectation that attendees will have foundational knowledge of vestibular science and audiological assessment. Building on this background, the session introduces research findings, diagnostic techniques, and therapy options. For example, we will highlight the use of vestibular rehabilitation therapy tailored for PD, the benefits and limitations of hearing aid use in this population, and newer device-based interventions such as caloric vestibular stimulation and deep brain stimulation.

This topic is relevant to practicing audiologists, given the aging population, rising prevalence of PD, and increased demand for interprofessional, patient-centered care. Attendees will gain information to integrate vestibular and audiological assessment into routine practice for PD patients and to interpret test results in the context of neurodegeneration. Engagement will be fostered through interactive discussion, case-based learning, and application of validated patient questionnaires such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Berg Balance Scale, and Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The originality of this session lies in its explicit focus on the intersection of audiology and neurology in PD. This area may be underrepresented in clinical training and practice. By providing auditory and vestibular care as central to reducing falls, improving communication, and enhancing quality of life, the lab underscores the clinical impact of audiologists’ contributions.

Concrete takeaways will include:

Recognition of vestibular and auditory dysfunction as key non-motor symptoms of PD.

Understanding of current evidence linking vestibular test abnormalities to PD severity and fall risk.

Practical strategies for vestibular rehabilitation, hearing aid management, and counseling.

Interprofessional approaches to family-centered care and long-term monitoring.

Through this lab, participants will leave with actionable knowledge to improve outcomes for individuals with PD, reinforcing the critical role of audiology in multidisciplinary care

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways: The clinical takeaway for this session is recognition of auditory and vestibular dysfunction as key non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease, with evidence-based strategies for assessment, rehabilitation, and counseling. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to reduce fall risk, improve communication, and enhance quality of life for patients with PD.

Assumptions: Attendees should have prior knowledge of vestibular anatomy and physiology, familiarity with standard audiological and vestibular assessments and a working understanding of balance disorders in older adults.