Deafness Research UK has found that 14 out of 15 noisy toys produced noise levels above the recommended safety limit when held close to the ear. Half had levels above or very near recommended safety limits even when held nine inches away.

The charity warned parents to be on their guard, particularly when buying toy guns, which it said could cause serious damage or instant hearing loss. It urged them not to let their children hold noisy toys too close to their ears or play with them for more than an hour every day.

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