2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.

Hi.

My name is Kristen. I've been using hearing aids since I was 15. I am now 27. I do not hear out of my right ear and have some hearing from my left. A serious hearing loss in the left ear resulted in my need for hearing aids.

My active lifestyle in high school (basketball, track, cross country) resulted in my first hearing aid (Oticon Digifocus) to malfunction and cease operating. And a couple mishaps resulted in me getting a Digifocus II which I've had for the better part of the past seven years. My Digifocus II decided, last night, to start malfunctioning. When the switch is on the "M", what I hear from the hearing aid is what I'd hear if I was on the "T", or telephone, setting. Needless to say, I think my Digifocus II is done.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a comparable (sound quality) hearing aid? I'm looking for something that's around or below $2,000. My last Digifocus II was around $2,200 and I'm okay with paying that amount if the hearing aid is good.

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear a response!

Kristen

Latest Audiology Test Results:

250 -- 55
500 -- 55
1,000 -- 60
2,000 -- 70
4,000 -- 70
8,000 -- 70