25 Best Home Remedies For Tinnitus And Prevention Tips

Tinnitus is described as a hissing, ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in one or both ears or the head. Varying from a soft, low-pitched sound to something loud and high-pitched, tinnitus can disrupt a person’s sleeping patterns and daily routine. Ear infections or an injury can cause issues in the auditory system, resulting in tinnitus. Many people even consider tinnitus surgery, but thankfully, this article discusses some of the best home remedies for tinnitus relief along with its causes and symptoms in more detail. Scroll down to know more about what tinnitus is.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, or a perception of ringing noise in the ears, is a condition that surfaces with age. It usually occurs in individuals aged above 50 years. However, in some cases, children and adolescents are also found to be affected by it. This condition is often a symptom of an underlying health issue such as hearing loss, ear injury, infection, or poor circulation. If you fear your tinnitus is caused due to an infection, explore home remedies for ear infections to treat them safely and effectively. Tinnitus is estimated to affect 1 out of every 5 people and is quite common in its occurrence (1).

A cross-sectional survey conducted 2017-2018 on 11, 427 adults found that 14.7% were affected by tinnitus, ranging from 8.7% in Ireland to 28.3% in Bulgaria. Further, it was observed that 1.2% were affected by severe tinnitus, ranging from 0.6% in Ireland to 4.2% in Romania.

Tinnitus is usually of two types:

• Subjective Tinnitus

In this type of tinnitus, the ringing sound can only be heard by the person affected by it. Subjective tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus and is often caused by an injury to one’s ear.

• Objective Tinnitus

When a doctor or anyone other than the affected individual is able to listen to the buzzing or ringing sound, it is the objective kind of tinnitus.

Tinnitus could be a result of a number of underlying health issues or physical trauma. Read on to find the most common causes of tinnitus.

Causes Of Tinnitus

• Age

The chances of suffering from hearing loss increase after 60 years of age. Hearing loss often triggers the onset of tinnitus.

• Smoking

Tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus.

• Gender

Tinnitus is found to occur more in men than women (2).

• Loud Noise

Being exposed to loud noises for a long period has the potential to cause ear damage, and this may subsequently lead to tinnitus.

• Otosclerosis

This term is used to define the stiffening of the bone in the middle ear. Otosclerosis has the potential to cause tinnitus in the affected individuals.

• Blockage By Earwax

Accumulation of too much earwax may lead to hearing loss and ear irritation. This can also lead to tinnitus.

• Medical Conditions

Tinnitus is often a symptom of other medical conditions such as an inner ear disorder like Meniere’s disease, head or neck injuries, blood vessel disorders like atherosclerosisⁱ  A health condition where the arteries become hard and narrow due to cholesterol plaque buildup in the walls of arteries. , head and neck tumors, and high blood pressure.

• Medications

Tinnitus may also be a side effect of certain medications like antibiotics, cancer medications,diureticsⁱ  Also called water pills, they help remove excess sodium and water from the body through the kidneys and increase urine production. , certain antidepressants, and aspirin.

Now that you are well aware of the factors that have the potential to cause tinnitus, let’s take a look at the symptoms associated with this condition.

Signs And Symptoms Of Tinnitus

Some of the common symptoms associated with tinnitus include:

• Buzzing, ringing or whistling sound in one or both the ears
• Sensitivity to certain sounds
• Hearing problems
• In some cases, tinnitus may also cause stress, depression, and fatigue.

Jason, a blogger, was four when he first experienced a very high-pitched whine in both his ears. However, he did not figure out that this ringing was not normal until he was 23. He shares his experience on his blog: “I didn’t learn until the age of 23 that hearing ringing while in absolute silence was not normal….I learned what I was hearing was not what everyone else was hearing (i).” He adds, “When I have problems with allergies or sickness [sic] you bet my Tinnitus is loud and more obnoxious than normal.”

A permanent tinnitus cure is yet to be discovered. However, some natural remedies can be used to reduce the severity and impact of this condition. Given below is a list of home remedies that will act as tinnitus medication and help in tinnitus management.

Home Remedies To Treat Tinnitus

1. Glycerin And Salt
2. Pineapple
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Gingko Biloba
5. Comfrey, Cinnamon, And Chamomile Tea
6. Goldenseal And Calendula Tea
7. Mistletoe Tea
8. Green Tea
9. Best Essential Oils
10. Castor Oil
11. Coconut Oil
12. Sesame Oil
13. Ginger
14. Garlic
15. Onion Juice
16. Fenugreek Seeds
17. Sunflower Seeds
18. Basil Leaves
19. Wolfberry
20. Yogurt
21. Oregano
22. Plantain
23. Passionflower
24. Vitamins

Natural Ways To Get Relief From Tinnitus

1. Glycerin And Salt

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of glycerin
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 pint of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the glycerin and salt to water and mix well.
2. Store this solution in a spray bottle.
3. Spray your nostrils with this solution daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

The saline nature of this solution helps in decongesting the blocked nasal passage and this, in turn, can help in relieving the sensation of ringing ears caused by extra fluid in the sinuses (3).

2. Pineapple

You Will Need

• Fresh pineapples
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Take about one-fourth of a pineapple and cut it into small pieces after peeling.
2. Blend these pieces with a glass of water.
3. Sip on this throughout the day.
4. Alternatively, you can just chew on these pineapple pieces at regular intervals.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this throughout the day at regular intervals.

Why This Works

Pineapples are a rich source of an enzyme called bromelain, along with vitamins A and C. These enzymes and vitamins exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and can thus be used to treat the inflammation caused by tinnitus (4), (5).

Caution

Do not consume too much of pineapples in a day as they are known to cause allergic reactions when consumed in large quantities.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice or thrice a day.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar can fight any underlying infections that are contributing to tinnitus with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties (6), (7).

4. Ginkgo Biloba

You Will Need

120 mg Ginkgo Biloba supplement

What You Have To Do

Consume gingko biloba supplement.

How Often You Should Do This

You must consume this supplement twice daily for 6 weeks.

Why This Works

Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help combat any underlying infections that cause tinnitus. It can also reduce the ringing sensation and improve your ear functions by improving the blood circulation throughout your body (8).

5. Comfrey, Cinnamon, And Chamomile Tea

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of comfrey
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of chamomile
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix comfrey, cinnamon, and chamomile and store it in an airtight container.
2. Take a teaspoon of this mixture and add it to a cup of water. Bring this to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain and consume before it turns cold. You can also add honey to this for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this tea at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

Comfrey, cinnamon, and chamomile are all rich in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant compounds. These can be helpful in alleviating tinnitus and its symptoms (9), (10), (11).

6. Witch Hazel, Goldenseal, And Calendula

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of goldenseal
• 1/2 teaspoon of calendula
• 1 cup of water
• Witch hazel
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Add the goldenseal and calendula to a cup of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Strain this and take some of this solution in a bowl and keep aside.
3. Take a cotton ball and dip it in some witch hazel.
4. Soak the same cotton ball in the goldenseal and calendula solution before applying it externally on the affected ear.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this two to three times in a day.

Why This Works

The combined anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects of goldenseal, calendula, and witch hazel may be helpful in treating any infections and secretions causing the tinnitus (12), (13), (14).

7. Mistletoe Tea

You Will Need

• 3 teaspoons of mistletoe
• 3 cups of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the mistletoe to water and allow it to steep overnight.
2. You can drink this tea the next day at regular intervals.
3. You can also add honey to this tea for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

You can consume this tea thrice daily for best results.

Why This Works

Tinnitus is sometimes also the result of high blood pressure. Mistletoe not only helps to lower the blood pressure but also improves the blood circulation so that more oxygen and nutrients can reach your ears. Thus, mistletoe is also one of the best options to relieve tinnitus symptoms naturally (15).

8. Green Tea

You Will Need

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add honey for flavor and consume before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink green tea at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

Green tea is a natural antioxidant and can combat infections and free radicals that are preventing your ringing ears from healing (16), (17).

9. Best Essential Oils

1. Lavender Oil

You Will Need

• 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Take 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil on each of the two cotton balls.
2. Plug a cotton ball into your ears and leave it overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must follow this regimen every night for at least two weeks.

Why This Works

Lavender oil exhibits antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can relieve tinnitus and its symptoms over time (18).

2. Cypress Oil

You Will Need

• 2 to 3 drops of cypress oil
• 2 cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Take a few drops of cypress oil on each of the two cotton balls.
2. Use these cotton balls to gently plug the entrance of your ear canals, without pushing them too deep.
3. Leave them there overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this every night.

Why This Works

Cypress oil is a natural sedative and can promote sleep and reduce anxiety in those affected with tinnitus. The antiseptic properties of cypress oil help in treating infections that may be a potential cause of tinnitus, while its antispasmodicⁱ  The nature or property of a substance to inhibit the contraction of smooth muscles and helps relieve pain and discomfort. nature helps in relaxing the muscles and alleviating the symptoms of ringing ears (19).

3. Juniper Oil

You Will Need

• 3 drops of juniper oil
• 2 cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Take about 2 to 3 drops of juniper oil on each of the two cotton balls.
2. Plug these cotton balls in both your ears gently, without pushing them too deep.
3. Let the juniper oil work overnight on both your ears.

How Often You Should Do This

You must follow this remedy every night for at least two weeks.

Why This Works

Like lavender and cypress oils, juniper oil is also an essential oil that can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by tinnitus.

And similar to the other two oils, the antiseptic and antispasmodic nature of juniper oil can be helpful in treating tinnitus and its symptoms (20).

10. Castor Oil

You Will Need

• 1 to 2 drops of castor oil
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Pour about 2 drops of castor oil directly into the affected ear.
2. Plug the ear with a cotton ball to seal the oil in.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least twice daily.

Why This Works

Castor oil, scientifically referred to as Ricinus communis, has a high content of vitamin E. It thus exhibits antioxidant properties and is also an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These properties can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by tinnitus and render gradual relief (21).

11. Coconut Oil

You Will Need

1 to 2 drops of coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Warm some coconut oil in an oven or pan.
2. Pour 1 to 2 drops of the warmed oil into the affected ear and leave it in to be absorbed naturally.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least twice daily.

Why This Works

The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of coconut oil can help in fighting off any infection in your ears that may be a potential cause of tinnitus. Warmed coconut oil can also help in loosening any congested earwax that may aggravate the ringing in your ears (22).

12. Sesame Oil

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

What You Have To Do

1. Warm some sesame oil in an oven or pan.
2. Take about one teaspoon of this oil and gently massage the back of your ears with it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this two to three times daily.

Why This Works

Sesame oil is a natural antioxidant. It possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can combat ear infections and free radicals. Thus, sesame oil is a good natural remedy to treat tinnitus and its symptoms (23).

13. Ginger

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the freshly grated ginger to a cup of hot water.
2. Allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture and drink this herbal tea before it turns cold.
4. You can also add honey for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this tea at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

Being an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, ginger can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by tinnitus (24).

14. Garlic

You Will Need

• 1 garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon of mustard oil

What You Have To Do

1. Heat the mustard oil in a pan and fry the garlic clove in it. Allow it to cool.
2. Squeeze the oil from the garlic and drop it into your affected ear. Leave it on overnight.
3. Alternatively, you can also use garlic oil for the same purpose.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every night.

Why This Works

Garlic is rich in a compound called allicin. Allicin is a natural antioxidant and can help eliminate any free radicals that may aggravate tinnitus. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can fight off any infections causing tinnitus (25), (26), (27).

15. Onion Juice

You Will Need

1 onion

What You Have To Do

1. Take an onion and peel its skin along with its outermost layer.
2. Cut the remaining onion into small pieces and crush them to extract the juice.
3. Pour 1 to 2 drops of the onion juice into your infected ear.
4. Leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes before tilting your head to drain the juice out.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 3 to 5 times a week for best results.

Why This Works

Onions are rich in a compound called quercetin that exhibits antioxidant properties. In addition to this, onions are also known for their antibacterial properties. A combination of these properties of onions can help in treating tinnitus while alleviating its symptoms (28), (29).

16. Fenugreek Seeds

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the fenugreek seeds to a cup of water and boil in a saucepan.
2. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the fenugreek tea.
3. Add honey for flavor and consume the tea before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

Fenugreek contains linolenic acids that exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The combined effect of these properties of fenugreek can help relieve the infection and pain associated with tinnitus (30), (31), (32).

Caution

Pregnant women are advised to stay away from this remedy as fenugreek seeds are known to cause contractions in some cases.

17. Sunflower Seeds

You Will Need

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of sunflower seeds
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the sunflower seeds to a cup of water and bring this mixture to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Allow this to simmer for 5 minutes before straining the liquid.
3. Add honey for flavor and consume this solution before it turns cold.
4. In addition to this, you can also add sunflower seeds to your daily diet.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least twice daily.

Why This Works

Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium and copper. While magnesium can help relieve the anxiety and stress associated with tinnitus, copper can help strengthen the ear bones. In addition to these, sunflower seeds are also natural antioxidants, and a combination of their properties can help in the treatment of tinnitus (33), (34), (35).

18. Basil Leaves

You Will Need

2 to 3 tablespoons of basil leaves

What You Have To Do

1. Blend the basil leaves to make a fine paste.
2. Put this paste in a sieve and squeeze the juice out with the help of a spoon.
3. Pour about two drops of the basil juice into the infected ear and let it dry naturally.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this for a week, twice daily.

Why This Works

Other than being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, basil also exhibits strong antibacterial properties that can help in combating the underlying infections that are a probable cause of tinnitus. Basil also acts as an adaptogenⁱ  A plant substance that can help decrease the sensitivity to stressors to make your body adjust to stress and anxiety. and helps to alleviate anxiety and stress caused by tinnitus (36), (37), (38).

19. Wolfberry

You Will Need

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of wolfberry
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add dried wolfberries to a cup of water and bring this to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes and strain the liquid.
3. Consume this infusion before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this infusion at least once daily.

Why This Works

Wolfberry is a Chinese fruit with numerous healing properties. It is rich in many vitamins and minerals that help in improving blood circulation and act as antioxidants to heal tinnitus and its symptoms (39).

20. Yogurt

You Will Need

A bowl of yogurt

What You Have To Do

Include yogurt in your diet.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume yogurt daily to relieve tinnitus.

Why This Works

Yogurt is rich in many nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamins B-2 and B-12. Many individuals suffering from tinnitus are found to be deficient in different forms of vitamin B, and thus, yogurt can be the perfect remedy to restore this deficiency. Also, these nutrients exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be of great help in the treatment of tinnitus (40), (41).

21. Oregano

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Steep dried oregano in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Strain and consume it before it turns cold.
3. You can also add honey for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this infusion twice daily.

Why This Works

Oregano is a natural antioxidant that also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of tinnitus (42), (43), (44).

22. Plantain

You Will Need

• 1 plantain
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Mash up a plantain.
2. Add two tablespoons of mashed plantain to a cup of water.
3. Mix well and consume this mixture daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this thrice daily for 6 weeks.

Why This Works

Plantains are raw bananas with high nutrient content. They are known to lower blood pressure, which is one of the underlying causes of tinnitus. Plantains can also improve blood flow and help in treating tinnitus and its symptoms (45).

23. Passionflower

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dried passionflowers
• 1 cup of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the dried passionflowers in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Strain this infusion and consume before it turns cold.
3. Add honey for flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this infusion once daily, preferably before going to bed.

Why This Works

Passionflower can improve blood flow and is also used in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. Tinnitus is itself a symptom of such diseases in some cases. Passionflower can thus help in treating tinnitus while also alleviating anxiety and stress caused by its onset (46).

24. Vitamins

According to a study conducted in 1993, some individuals affected by tinnitus were found to be deficient in vitamin B12 (47). And a restoration of this deficiency was found to improve the condition of the affected individuals. In addition to this vitamin, you can also address other vitamin deficiencies (if any) for your overall health and well-being. However, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before going ahead and treating tinnitus with vitamin supplements. Instead, you can add foods rich in vitamin B12 such as milk, cheese, and fish to your daily diet (48).

Including some of the remedies mentioned here in your daily routine is sure to have a positive impact on your present condition. In addition to these remedies, you can also make some lifestyle changes and take some precautions to increase the effectiveness of your treatment.

Preventive Tips

• Follow A Healthy Diet

Avoid intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and fast food. Instead, opt for a healthy diet that consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

• Consume Dry Fruits

Include dry fruits like apricots, walnuts, and pistachios in your diet. These are found to treat tinnitus naturally.

• Engage In Aerobic Exercises

Engaging in mild to moderate forms of aerobic exercises may help in naturally relieving the symptoms associated with tinnitus. However, you should be careful in your attempts as high-impact aerobics may worsen your condition.

• Try Finger Drumming

Finger drumming is observed to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. All you have to do is wrap your fingers around the back of your neck and place your palms on both your ears. Put your index finger on your middle finger and snap them by applying a little pressure. Repeat this at least 50 times.

• Sound Therapy

Some devices and applications provide subtle or ambient sounds that provide relaxation and act as tinnitus sound therapy.

• Avoid Consuming Alcohol

Alcohol consumption may worsen your condition if you are suffering from tinnitus.

• Quit Smoking

Smokers are prone to developing tinnitus. Thus, you must quit smoking if you are already suffering from this condition.

• Get Your Earwax Removed

The accumulation of earwax in your ears can also cause tinnitus. In such an instance, it is recommended to see your physician and get the earwax removed. You can also look for home remedies to remove earwax safely to ensure your ears are clean without causing harm.

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice that involves inserting needles into certain points of your body. It is done under medical supervision and is found to reduce the symptoms and can be considered as tinnitus acupuncture.

• Try Relaxation Techniques

Meditating and listening to calming soundtracks can help you relax and are often considered as tinnitus relaxation techniques.

With the above remedies and tips, you may decrease the risk of getting tinnitus. But how is tinnitus diagnosed in the first place? Scroll down to know more.

Diagnosis For Tinnitus

Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct various tests to rule out any underlying issue. These include:

• Hearing Exam

You will be asked to sit in a soundproof room as you wear earphones that will play certain sounds into one ear at a time. You will tell the doctor whenever you are able to hear the sound and the results are compared with what’s ideal for your age to rule out potential tinnitus causes.

• Movement Tests

You may be required to move your eyes, clench your jaws, or move your neck and limbs. If your tinnitus worsens during these movements, it could reveal an underlying issue that may need treatment.

• Imaging Tests

Your doctor may ask you to get a CT or MRI scan, depending on the suspected cause.

• Lab Tests

The doctor may ask you to do blood tests for conditions like anemia, thyroid issues, heart disease, or any vitamin deficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tinnitus be cured?

There is no cure for tinnitus yet, but there are ways to manage it. Talk to a doctor about different treatment plans that might work for you. These could include sound therapy, counseling, or changing your lifestyle.

How to stop ear ringing after a concert (loud music)?

If your ears are ringing after a concert, listen to some relaxing soundtracks and try to distract yourself from the ringing noise. Also, de-stress yourself with meditation and avoid alcohol as it may cause the blood to flow into your ears and worsen the ringing.

How to stop ear ringing due to cold?

The ear ringing that develops due to a cold usually goes away on its own. However, if the ringing is unbearable, it is recommended to drink plenty of clear liquids and take any appropriate decongestant, such as Benadryl, to get relief from the cold.

What kind of headphones should be used by people with tinnitus?

Sound therapy using noise-canceling headphones can be helpful in decreasing the frequency and period of ringing associated with it, making it a tinnitus therapy.

Does drinking water help treat tinnitus?

Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that staying hydrated may help balance the body’s fluid levels and soothe tinnitus. However, more research is needed in this regard.

Does lemon juice help treat tinnitus?

Possibly. The flavonoids in lemon juice may help relieve tinnitus and vertigo (49).

Is turmeric good for tinnitus?

Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe tinnitus.

Can pillows cause tinnitus?

Possibly. Using pillows may cause tinnitus as your neck muscles may spasm due to improper bending or torsion.

Illustration: Best Home Remedies For Tinnitus And Prevention Tips

If you are dealin with tinnitus, here is something for you – a 30-second technique that can effectively silence the ringing in your ears and offer quick relief. Check out the video below to know more.

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