Bob  

When retired Richmond police officer, Bob, suddenly lost most of his hearing in his left ear, he had no idea how much he took hearing for granted. 

“It can be so isolating.”  Bob and his wife Wendy frequently attend social events and he quickly learned how debilitating a hearing loss of more than 95% in his left ear could be.
“I soon learned that when you only hear a portion of a conversation, it’s difficult to jump in without making comments that don’t make sense.  After a while, you withdraw and tend to shut down in social situations, because you don’t want to make yourself look foolish.” 

Fortunately for Bob, at his wife’s urging, he consulted Dr. Frederick Lassen, medical director of the Mid-Atlantic Hearing and Balance Center.  Bob learned about an innovative technological advance that could help him.  Dr. Lassen gave Bob a temporary BAHA hearing device to test and immediately he could hear in his left ear.  “I was so excited, I picked up my cell phone, called my wife, using my left ear! I think he and his staff were as excited as I was when I learned that the implant would work for me.”  
    
So in November 2006, Bob underwent the permanent implantation procedure at Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View and not long after he was ready for the permanent device and hearing again.  “The nurses were so caring and considerate of both me and my wife.   The nurses were great at helping my wife’s anxiety level by keeping her updated, that was very reassuring for her.” 

Now, Bob’s back in action!  In addition to volunteering with Bon Secours Heart Institute’s support group, Bob continues to share his diving skills and love for the water with the visitors of the Virginia Aquarium. 

Evelyn

Evelyn always had a good relationship with the Lord. She knew they could communicate effectively no matter what -He could hear her prayers and she could hear His answers. But going to church was a different story. Although her communication with the Lord was not a problem, being able to hear the choir, hear the preacher, and sing along at White Head Grove Baptist Church in Smithfield became more challenging.

Eventually, after years of struggling to hear, she stopped attending church. “I was so discouraged. I love the Lord, but going to church was embarrassing for me. I didn’t know when to sing or when to say ‘Amen’, so I lived in isolation because of my hearing loss,” said .

Doctors believe Evelyn’s hearing loss may be associated with contracting German measles as a child. The measles may have damaged some nerves essential for hearing. Evelyn went more than 30 years with hearing aids, and finally gave up on them when they could no longer help her.

Evelyn said she prayed about it, and her prayers were answered when her daughter arranged for her to see Dr. Lassen at Lakeview Medical Center, the medical director for the Mid-Atlantic Hearing and Balance Center.  That was when she found the miracle God had in His plans for her.

Dr. Lassen performed a cochlear implant surgery on Evelyn and in no time most of her hearing was restored. “I am a happy woman now.  I am thankful that my daughter found Dr. Lassen. They’ve all been wonderful; he is such a good doctor, and they are good nurses.   Don’t be like me and wait all these years before getting help!”

“Before getting the implant, I was so discouraged. I love the Lord, but going to church was embarrassing for me. I didn’t know when to sing or when to say ‘Amen’, so
I lived in isolation because of my hearing loss.  It has been a very frustrating time in my life in which I can’t even enjoy the simplest of things. Being a widow, I have to preoccupy myself with things like gardening. And when I was outside, I couldn’t even hear a bird chirp. I prayed to the Lord to place me in His healing hands, for anything to get my hearing back.

Soon my prayers were answered. My daughter did some research on cochlear implants, and we went to the Hearing and Balance Center in Suffolk, VA. Ever since getting the implant, I can enjoy hearing the birds sing once again. I now attend church like before, and I am a happy woman. I am so thankful that my daughter found Dr. Lassen, and thankful of the nurses; they’ve all been wonderful. Most of all, I am thankful to the Lord for helping me live a much happier life. One thing I must say is, don’t be like me and wait around all these years before you get help!”

Priscilla

“The BAHA® is truly a life-changing event,” says Priscilla. "If it were not for Dr. Lassen, I would never have even known about this wonderful opportunity. His dedication and resolve are unwavering.

I can never put into words the appreciation and gratitude I feel for what Dr. Lassen has done for me. The gift of hearing is beyond price and material objects. My life has been blessed by his hard work and dedication.

I am happy to be a spokesperson for your skills and gift of hearing. I would never have been able to experience the wonderful world of hearing without you!"

Donna Bond
Portsmouth, VA 

I saw Dr. Lassen because I was suffering from hearing loss. I found his staff to be very helpful and Dr. Lassen was knowledgeable and very thorough. His audiologist Sharon was wonderful and gave me great explanations regarding my specific problems.  My experience with Dr. Lassen and the Mid - Atlantic Hearing and Balance Center was excellent and I would absolutely recommend  Dr. Lassen to my friends and family.

Diane Simmons
Chesapeake, VA

For 2 years, I fought chronic ear infections, with the most recent infection resulting in substantial hearing loss. During those two years, I had appointments with several doctors but none were able to offer a cure for   my  medical issue.   I  read about Dr. Lassen while waiting for a procedure at Harbour View and decided to make an appointment with him.  The staff was very nice and helpful, especially since I had limited times when I could make an appointment.  My first impression of Dr. Lassen was that he did not fit my idea of a typical surgeon.  He was easy to talk to and actually listened to me.  He gave me a very complete exam and explained each thing he did during the exam.  He recommended that I have tubes placed in my ears, imagine my surprise, tubes at age 60! He was even willing to put them in at that very appointment.  Since having tubes, my ear infections have not returned and I can hear 100% better than I did prior to.  I have been so pleased with my care, that I have l already referred a friend to him.