Dr. Levi Asay an audiologist at Big Horn Basin Hearing in Cody, was recently back in Washington, D.C., to advocate to legislators on issues related to hearing and speech-language pathology (SLP).

Dr. Asay is an audiology representative on the American Speech-Languge and Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Committee of Ambassasors. Part of those responsibilities include working with members of Congress to ensure better access to hearing and speech services.

Dr. Asay was accompanied by his (SLP) counterpart, Jessica Waldron, from Lander as well as over 300 other audiologists and SLPs. The pair backed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)(HR 2598/S1277) which currently serves many special needs children in Wyoming and across the nation. These services were previously provided through the Department of Education, which is being dismantled.

Dr. Asay has also advised Congress to support the Medicare Audiology Improvement Act (HR2757/S1996), as Medicare does not currently cover comprehensive audiology services. Better coverage would improve access to hearing which is currently not available to many older adults. Likewise, the Medicare Patient Choice Act (HR 4204) would also allow patients to see trusted and long standing providers.

Dr. Asay also asked that our legislators protect newborn hearing screening programs like EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention), which are critical to identify very young children who may have hearing loss. Early intervention leads to much better outcomes in language acquisition and scholastic performance.

Besides being involved with hearing issues at the national level, Dr. Asay also serves on a state board and sees patients at his office in Cody.