About Mehdi
Mehdi Foroogozar, MS, BC-HIS, is an auditory neuroscientist and board-certified hearing instrument specialist dedicated to bridging the gap between cognitive science and clinical audiology. He earned his Master of Science in Auditory Neuroscience from Arizona State University, where his research focused on the integration of consumer technology, such as Apple AirPods, as assistive listening tools in healthcare settings. Driven by a personal mission sparked by his grandmother’s journey with untreated hearing loss and dementia, Mehdi has spent his career advocating for a “brain-first” approach to hearing healthcare. Currently practicing at Enticare Ear, Nose, and Throat, and serving as Co-Founder of HearLink, he focuses on shifting the clinical narrative from basic sound amplification to long-term cognitive preservation. A passionate educator and researcher, he aims to empower hearing specialists to elevate their role within the primary healthcare team by leveraging the profound connection between auditory input and brain health.
Session Details
Leveraging the Cognitive Health Connection as a Clinical Differentiator
For 75 years, the hearing healthcare profession has focused primarily on the physics of sound and the mechanics of amplification. However, as we look toward the future, the most critical frontier isn’t just the ear—it’s the brain. Recent longitudinal studies have solidified the link between untreated hearing loss and accelerated cognitive decline, social isolation, and increased risk of falls. In this session, Mehdi Foroogozar will bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and chair-side application. We will explore how to integrate cognitive health screenings and counseling into a standard clinical workflow without disrupting practice efficiency. Attendees will learn how to shift the patient narrative from “better hearing” to “protecting brain function,” a shift that not only improves patient outcomes and device adoption but also elevates the Specialist’s role as a vital member of the patient’s primary healthcare team.
Attend this session and you’ll learn how to:
- Analyze the latest clinical research connecting hearing loss to cognitive load and long-term brain health.
- Develop a communication strategy to explain complex comorbidities (dementia, depression, and balance) to patients and their families.
- Implement a protocol for “Cognitive-First” counseling that increases patient motivation and reduces the “wait time” between diagnosis and treatment.