Every year on March 3rd, World Hearing Day is celebrated to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care worldwide.
At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we are committed to helping you protect and improve your hearing health.

Why World Hearing Day Matters

Hearing loss affects millions of people globally, yet many do not seek help until their condition worsens. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining communication, relationships, and overall well-being.

Did You Know?

• Over 1.5 billion people worldwide experience some degree of hearing loss.
• Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the UK suffer from hearing difficulties.
• Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and a lower quality of life.

How to Protect Your Hearing

This World Hearing Day, take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing:

• Get Your Hearing Tested: Routine check-ups can detect issues early and prevent further damage.
• Use Hearing Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise and wear earplugs in noisy environments.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Good nutrition, exercise, and managing conditions like diabetes can contribute to better hearing health.
• Seek Professional Help: If you notice signs of hearing loss, don’t ignore them. Modern hearing aids and treatments can greatly improve your quality of life.

Book a Hearing Test Today

World Hearing Day is the perfect reminder to prioritise your hearing health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or just want to check your hearing status, Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres are here to help.

Take control of your hearing health today – contact us to book your hearing test and stay connected to the world around you!

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and connection, but what happens when hearing loss begins to create barriers in your relationships?

Hearing is a crucial part of communication, and when it starts to decline, it can impact relationships with partners, family, and friends. Struggles with hearing loss can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and even feelings of isolation. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Relationships

1. Communication Breakdowns

When conversations become difficult, frustration can build. Misunderstandings arise when one partner constantly has to repeat themselves, leading to impatience and strained interactions.

2. Emotional Distance

Over time, untreated hearing loss can create emotional distance. If a person with hearing difficulties feels left out of conversations or struggles to follow discussions, they may withdraw, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

3. Reduced Social Activities

Hearing loss can make social gatherings challenging, causing individuals to avoid group settings. This can limit shared experiences and impact the quality of relationships with family and friends.

4. Increased Stress and Frustration

Both the individual with hearing loss and their loved ones may experience increased stress. The strain of repeating conversations or mishearing important details can lead to arguments and added tension.

Strengthening Relationships Through Better Hearing

The good news is that addressing hearing loss can significantly improve relationships and quality of life. Here’s how:

• Get a Hearing Test – Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. A professional hearing assessment at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres can help determine the best course of action.
• Use Hearing Aids – Modern hearing aids enhance clarity and improve communication, reducing frustration in daily interactions.
• Practice Patience & Understanding – Open and honest communication about hearing difficulties can foster empathy and cooperation.
• Utilise Assistive Technology – Devices such as amplified phones and TV listening systems can help bridge communication gaps.
• Stay Engaged – Make an effort to stay involved in conversations and social activities to maintain strong connections.

Book a Hearing Assessment Today

This Valentine’s Day, take a step toward strengthening your relationships by addressing hearing concerns. At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we offer  personalised solutions to help you reconnect with your loved ones.

Don’t let hearing loss come between you and those you love. Book a consultation today and experience the difference better hearing can make!

Hearing loss can be a challenging and emotional experience, impacting communication, social interactions, and overall well-being. However, hearing aids offer a transformative solution, helping individuals reconnect with their surroundings and improve their quality of life.

At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we understand the profound effects of hearing loss, and we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect hearing aid to meet your unique needs.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids provide numerous advantages that can significantly improve your daily life:

1. Improved Communication

Hearing aids allow you to engage in conversations with loved ones, friends, and colleagues without constantly asking them to repeat themselves. Enjoy clearer, more natural-sounding speech in various environments.

2. Boosted Confidence

Regain your independence and confidence by participating fully in social activities, work meetings, and gatherings without the fear of missing out on important conversations.

3. Enhanced Cognitive & Mental Health

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation. Wearing hearing aids helps keep your brain active, reducing these risks and improving overall mental well-being.

4. Increased Safety & Awareness

Being able to hear clearly allows you to stay alert to important sounds such as sirens, alarms, approaching vehicles, and conversations in public spaces, enhancing your overall safety.

Find the Right Hearing Aid at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres

At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we offer a wide range of hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing needs and budget. Our experienced audiologists are here to provide expert guidance, from initial assessments to fittings and ongoing care.

Take the First Step Towards Better Hearing

Don’t let hearing loss limit your lifestyle. Contact your nearest branch today to explore the best hearing aid solutions for you.

Book your consultation now and experience the life-changing benefits of hearing aids!

Proactive Steps for Lifelong Health

Preserving your hearing health is a proactive endeavour that involves making conscious choices and adopting protective habits. Hearing loss prevention begins with understanding potential risk factors and taking steps to minimise their impact. In this article, we will explore valuable strategies for preventing hearing loss and maintaining lifelong ear health, with insights from the experts at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noise

Prolonged exposure to loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss. Whether in your workplace or during leisure activities, use ear protection such as earmuffs or earplugs. Limit the use of personal audio devices at high volumes and opt for noise-cancelling headphones when possible.

Maintain a Safe Volume

When using headphones or earbuds, follow the “60/60” rule – keep the volume at no more than 60% and limit listening time to 60 minutes. This helps prevent damage to your ears from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

Be Cautious in Noisy Environments

In noisy settings like concerts or clubs, maintain a safe distance from speakers and take breaks in quieter areas to give your ears a rest. Consider custom-fitted musician’s earplugs that reduce noise levels while preserving sound quality.

Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Certain health conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular issues, can impact hearing health. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and monitor your overall well-being to reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Avoid Using Cotton Wool Buds

Using cotton wool buds or other objects to clean your ears can push wax deeper and cause damage to the delicate ear canal. Instead, allow your ears to naturally clean themselves, and if wax build-up becomes an issue, seek professional assistance for safe removal.

Regular Hearing Check-ups

Routine hearing evaluations play a crucial role in identifying any early signs of hearing loss. Schedule regular appointments at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres to monitor your hearing health, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.

Preventing hearing loss requires a proactive approach that encompasses lifestyle adjustments, protective measures, and regular hearing assessments. By safeguarding your ears from loud noise, embracing healthy habits, and seeking expert guidance from the professionals at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, you can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and enjoy a lifetime of optimal ear health.

Take the initiative to preserve your hearing – contact us today to book an initial assessment and take the first step towards a hearing-healthy future.

Treating Hearing Loss Can Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is here, and with it come all the new year’s resolutions. Making these resolutions is easy, but the challenge lies in making sure they don’t melt away as winter turns to spring.

Some common resolutions include stress management, spending quality time with friends and family, and engaging in more social activities or hobbies. For those who struggle with hearing loss, keeping these resolutions can be especially difficult.

Treating your hearing loss in 2025 can help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. Here’s how:

Stress Management

Hearing-related stress can make everyday life challenging. It often arises when you have to constantly ask people to repeat themselves in conversations, avoid crowded or noisy environments, or feel anxious when traveling.

Addressing your hearing loss can help you hear better in these situations, reducing daily stress and enhancing your overall well-being.

Quality Time with Friends & Family

If staying connected with loved ones is a priority, addressing your hearing concerns is a step in the right direction. Improved hearing allows for easier communication—whether in person, over the phone, or on video calls—helping you stay close to those who matter most.

Social Activities & Hobbies

Thinking about volunteering or joining a club but feel self-conscious about your hearing loss? Don’t let it hold you back.

Treating your hearing issues can give you the confidence to meet new people and enjoy new experiences. Whether you want to take up a group activity or explore a solo hobby, better hearing can help you thrive in 2025.

Visit Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres

If being healthier is part of your new year’s resolutions, don’t forget to take steps toward healthy hearing. Seeking professional help, advice, and treatment for hearing loss can significantly enhance your quality of life.

At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we offer comprehensive care to meet your hearing needs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a current hearing aid user, our bespoke services include:

• Thorough hearing assessments
• Expert fittings for hearing aids
• Continued personalised care and support

Rediscover the sounds of life with us. Start your journey toward better hearing today.

At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we understand that hearing is essential to experiencing life’s most meaningful moments. We are excited to introduce the revolutionary Phonak Audeo Infinio range—featuring the Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio, Phonak Audéo™ Infinio, Phonak CROS Infinio and the Phonak Virto™ Infinio. These cutting-edge hearing aids are designed to offer unparalleled sound quality, comfort, and connectivity, ensuring you never miss a moment. This revolutionary technology is designed to reconnect you with the sounds that matter most.

Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio Hearing Aids: The Power of AI

The Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio represents a groundbreaking advancement in hearing aid technology. This model is the world’s first hearing aid with a dedicated AI chip, setting a new standard in personalised hearing experiences.

The Sphere AI chip adapts in real-time to your environment, delivering unmatched sound clarity and reducing the effort required to hear in even the most challenging situations. Whether you’re in a noisy restaurant, enjoying a walk in the park, or having a conversation in a bustling crowd, the Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio ensures that you hear what matters most with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Adaptability: Automatically adjusts to your environment for superior sound clarity.
• Sleek, Discreet Design: Designed for all-day comfort with a nearly invisible appearance.
• Enhanced Battery Life: Optimised by the AI chip for longer-lasting performance.

Spheric Sound Experience

Phonak Audéo™ Infinio Hearing Aids: Advanced Technology for Everyday Life

The Phonak Audéo™ Infinio is designed for those seeking high-quality hearing support without the AI capabilities of the Sphere model. This hearing aid still offers exceptional sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and a comfortable fit, making it an excellent choice for daily use.

With the Phonak Audéo™ Infinio, you’ll experience clearer conversations, enhanced music enjoyment, and seamless integration with your digital devices. This model is ideal for individuals who want reliable, advanced hearing aids that deliver consistent performance across various listening environments.

Key Features:

• Exceptional Sound Quality: Delivers clear and natural sound in various environments.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream music, take calls, and connect to your smartphone with ease.
• Comfortable Fit: Designed for all-day wear, ensuring you stay connected from morning to night.

Hearing aids as unique as you are, with colour options to match your lifestyle:

Phonak CROS Infinio: A Solution for Single-Sided Hearing Loss

The Phonak CROS Infinio is specifically designed for those with single-sided hearing loss. This innovative hearing aid transfers sounds from your non-hearing ear to your hearing ear, allowing you to enjoy a fuller and more balanced listening experience.

Whether you’re in a meeting, at a family gathering, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Phonak CROS Infinio ensures that you don’t miss out on the sounds around you. It pairs seamlessly with any of the Infinio models, providing an integrated solution for single-sided hearing challenges.

Key Features:

• Bilateral Hearing Experience: Transfers sound from your non-hearing ear to your hearing ear.
• Seamless Integration: Works flawlessly with other Phonak Infinio models.
• Comfortable and Discreet: Designed for easy, unobtrusive wear throughout the day.

Phonak Virto™ Infinio Hearing Aids: Custom-Fit for Your Ears

The Phonak Virto™ Infinio is the ultimate solution for those who value a custom-fit hearing experience. These hearing aids are tailor-made to fit the unique shape of your ears, ensuring maximum comfort and discretion. Despite their small size, the Virto™ Infinio devices pack a punch with powerful technology, delivering excellent sound quality and seamless connectivity.

Whether you’re in a quiet environment or a noisy setting, the Phonak Virto™ Infinio adapts to your surroundings, providing you with clear, natural sound. It’s the perfect blend of style, comfort, and advanced hearing technology.

Key Features:

• Custom-Fit Design: Tailor-made to fit the unique contours of your ears for maximum comfort.
• Discreet Appearance: Nearly invisible when worn, offering subtle and effective hearing support.
• Advanced Sound Processing: Delivers clear, natural sound in various environments.

Book Your Appointment Today at Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres

At Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the full richness of life’s sounds. The Phonak Audeo Infinio range offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking the latest AI-driven technology, advanced everyday hearing aids, or a solution for single-sided hearing loss.

Contact your nearest branch and book your appointment today to discover which Phonak Audeo Infinio model is right for you. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your hearing needs.

Experience the future of hearing with Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres.

Rediscover Clear Conversations with Our Better Hearing Challenge

Do you find yourself yearning to rediscover the joy of clear conversations? Are noisy environments making it challenging to hear speech, leaving you dissatisfied with your current hearing aids? If so, why not embark on our Better Hearing Challenge?

Did you struggle to hear your loved ones this Christmas?

Did the holidays leave you struggling to hear your loved ones clearly?

Don’t let the frustration linger. If background noise turned your holiday cheer into a muffled symphony, it’s time for a change.

New Year, New ‘Hear’

Your hearing is for life, not just for Christmas. Embrace the opportunity to improve it with the New Year. Begin your transformative journey with the Better Hearing Challenge.

Rediscover the joy of clear conversations and make every moment count.

Are you frustrated with your hearing aids?

We understand.

The Better Hearing Challenge is designed to address the specific frustrations that arise in noisy situations. Tailored for those currently wearing hearing aids but unsatisfied with their performance, our challenge provides personalised solutions for a more enjoyable hearing experience. Picture a life where speech is crystal clear, frustration replaced with confidence, all made possible by world-leading hearing aid technology.

What if I don’t wear hearing aids?

You can book a FREE initial assessment as part of our Better Hearing Challenge.

Why take the Better Hearing Challenge?

• Banish Background Noise: Struggling with speech in noisy settings? Our challenge targets background noise frustrations, delivering crystal-clear conversations.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Elevate your hearing experience with world-leading hearing aid technology.
• Expert Audiologists: Our highly qualified audiologists tailor solutions to your unique needs, ensuring a personalised and effective journey to better hearing.
• Transformative Results: Bid farewell to dissatisfaction with your current hearing aids.

What happens during the consultation?

Your appointment will last approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, our friendly receptionist will greet you and guide you to the relaxed lounge area. Unwind, watch TV, or chat with our reception staff. Before testing begins, we’ll discuss your hearing, asking questions about your lifestyle and health.

Real Ear (REM) Measurement

Elevating your hearing experience

Real Ear Measurements (REM) are exactly what they sound like – measurements taken in your ear in real-time.

Used to assess hearing aid function, REM ensures appropriate and individualized hearing aid programming.

Why is REM important?

This calibration guarantees your hearing aids amplify sound according to your individual needs, optimizing performance across various environments, particularly in challenging background noise. This meticulous process provides a bespoke auditory experience. By choosing REM, our audiologists ensure your hearing aids amplify sound with unparalleled precision, enhancing speech clarity and overall hearing satisfaction.

How does REM work?

A tiny microphone is placed in your ear canal to measure the exact sound levels reaching your eardrum when wearing your hearing aids.

Did you know?

Surprisingly, less than 30% of audiologists use REM to verify hearing aid fittings, even though it’s an established best practice protocol.*

You can rest assured that you will receive REM during your consultation at Stratford Hearing Centre.

*Source: Auditdata

Your journey to better hearing starts here

Don’t miss out on a life-changing opportunity. To reserve your place, contact your nearest branch today.

Make 2024 the year you hear the world in all it’s clarity.

As the summer season brings forth outdoor adventures and warmer weather, prioritising ear care becomes crucial, especially for individuals who wear hearing aids. The combination of increased moisture, exposure to water activities, and higher temperatures can pose unique challenges for maintaining ear health. In this article, we will explore essential tips for caring for your ears during the summer, with a particular focus on those who rely on hearing aids.

Shield Your Ears from Excessive Moisture:

Moisture can lead to ear infections and other complications, particularly for hearing aid users. Protect your ears from excessive moisture during rainy or water-based activities by using hats, headbands, or umbrellas.
Additionally, consider waterproof hearing aids!

Phonak Audéo Life™ Lumity is the second generation of the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aid. Ideal hearing solution for anyone who has an active lifestyle and puts their hearing aids to the test:

• Waterproof*
• Sweatproof
• Health data tracking**

Practice Safe Swimming:

For water activities like swimming or diving, it’s crucial to shield your ears from water entry. Use custom-fit swim moulds or water-specific earplugs to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Avoid diving into shallow water to prevent ear trauma and potential damage to your hearing aids.

Maintain Hearing Aid Hygiene:

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids are essential for optimal performance, especially in summer. Clean your hearing aids daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, dirt, or debris. Consider using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier overnight to eliminate moisture buildup, reducing the risk of damage.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises:

Summer festivities often involve concerts, fireworks, and other loud events. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can be detrimental to your hearing, regardless of wearing hearing aids. Minimise the risk of noise-induced hearing loss by wearing earplugs or protective earmuffs when attending loud events.

Be Mindful of Allergies:

Summer allergies can exacerbate ear-related issues such as itching, inflammation, and excess wax production. Manage allergies by consulting an allergist or using appropriate medications. Avoid inserting objects into your ears to relieve itching, as it can lead to injury or infection.

Schedule a Check-Up with Your Audiologist:

Regular visits to your audiologist are crucial to assess your hearing health and ensure optimal functioning of your hearing aids. Consider scheduling an appointment before the summer season to address concerns or make necessary adjustments to your hearing aids.

Caring for your ears during the summer, especially if you wear hearing aids, requires a proactive approach. Follow these essential tips to protect your ears from excessive moisture, practice safe swimming, maintain hearing aid hygiene, avoid loud noises, manage allergies, and schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist. By prioritising ear health, you can fully enjoy the summer season while preserving your hearing and overall well-being. Visit WS Hearing for comprehensive audiological services and expert guidance.

Contact your preferred centre and book an appointment today.

Hearing never looked better

Phonak Slim combines a modern, never-before-seen design with state-of-the-art hearing performance. The unique ergonomic shape of Slim is contoured to naturally nestle behind the ear – even if you wear glasses. Its personalised features enable you to confidently immerse in conversations and effortlessly manoeuvre through life’s numerous listening situations.

Stylish on the outside. Smart on the inside.

Phonak Slim makes no compromise between design and performance, enabling you to hear and to be seen when and how you want to.

With Phonak SmartSpeech™ Technology, Phonak Slim hearing aids provide features to improve speech understanding while boosting your confidence with its unique look and feel.

Color options to match your lifestyle

Charger options

The Phonak Slim Charger is a compact charger with a sleek appearance that perfectly complements the Phonak Slim, charging the hearing aids in just three hours to offer a full day** of hearing.

• Charges Phonak Slim in just 3 hours
• Conveniently shaped with a solid stance
• Easy to clean; easy to carry
• Optimized charging and usability

Positive impact on your social life

60% of people say that Phonak Slim would make them feel more confident wearing hearing aids.⁶

Connects to smartphones and other devices

Phonak Slim pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth® enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.

Key Features:

Monitor your well-being

With the myPhonak app, you can take control of your hearing aids wherever and whenever you like.

It also allows you to track health data, with key health performance indicators, such as step count and activity levels, enabling you to set health goals and achieve an improved sense of well-being.

Footnotes

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Sonova AG is under license
IOS is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
*In order to access health data, it is necessary to create an account within myPhonak app
**16 hours of battery on a single charge, including 8 hours of everyday listening, 4 hours of Bluetooth streaming and 4 hours of TV streaming. Battery life may be minimally reduced when using ActiveVent Receiver.
1. Appleton, J. (2020) AutoSense OS 4.0- significantly less listening effort and preferred for speech intelligibility. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence
Latzel, M. & Hobi, S. (2022) Receiver with mechanical vent provides benefit of open and closed acoustics for better speech understanding in noise and naturalness of own voice perception. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence
Thibodeau L. M. (2020) Benefits in Speech Recognition in Noise with Remote Wireless Microphones in Group Settings. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 31(6), 404–411.
2. Woodward, J. and Latzel, M (2022) New implementation of directional beamforming configurations show improved speech understanding and reduced listening effort. Phonak Field Study News retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence.
3. Latzel, M., Lesimple, C., & Woodward, J. (2023). Speech Enhancer significantly reduces listening effort and increases intelligibility for speech at a distance. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from www.phonak.com/evidence.
4. Sarant, J., Harris, D., Busby, P., Maruff, P., Schembri, A., Lemke, U., & Launer, S. (2020). The effect of hearing aid use on cognition in older adults: Can we delay decline or even improve cognitive function? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(1), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9010254
5. Crystal Rolfe & Benjamin Gardner (2016). Experiences of hearing loss and views towards interventions to promote uptake of rehabilitation support among UK adults, International Journal of Audiology, 55:11, 666-673, DOI
6. Taphuntsang, D. (2021). Market research ID 4428. Please contact marketinsight@phonak.com if you are interested in further information.

Is it a hearing aid or a wellness device?

It can be both!

Well-Hearing is Well-Being

Hearing health is about more than just our ears – it can affect our social-emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

That is why prioritising our hearing health and treatment can impact our quality of life and connection with the world around us.

A Fitbit for the ears, but better?

Traditional hearing aids focus largely on sound amplification; on the other hand, digital wellness hearing aids focus on enhanced communication, engagement, and overall well-being – through amplification as well as advanced sound processing, sensor technology, artificial intelligence and real-time health tracking.

What features can I expect from a wellness hearing aid?

Most importantly, the latest technology in hearing aid audiology. You can also track your heart rate, steps taken and distance walked or ran, you can also establish customisable goals and keep track of it all on your hearing aids app. All wellness hearing aids provide universal Bluetooth connectivity to all your devices and most of them are now waterproof and rechargeable.

Hearing Aids as Fitness Trackers

Hearing aid technology has advanced so much, nowadays hearing aids are also universal wellness devices, not only tracking steps, but monitoring social engagement, overall activity, and actual wear time.

When hearing aids become a lifestyle choice and not just a healthcare solution, they can have a more profound effect on well-being.

To many of us, earbuds, Apple Watches or Fitbits are already lifestyle devices. For those of us who also requite hearing assistance, hearing aids that combine lifestyle functions with leading-edge sound processing, clarity, and amplification create a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Take control of your hearing and well-being

While hearing loss can seem overwhelming, you can feel assured that there are solutions available to improve your quality of life.

Worcester & Stratford Hearing Centres are here to get you or your loved ones back to living life to the fullest.

Contact your preferred centre and book an appointment today.

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