iPod users are likely to have the volumes on their personal stereos restricted over fears that the 'in ear' headphones are seriously damaging hearing.

Up to a tenth of users are listening to volumes that could permanently damage their hearing within just five years, an influential scientific committee has warned.

Personal stereos can currently reach 100 decibels, but the sound that hits the eardrum when using 'in ear' headphones, can reach 120dB.

And now the latest report, from the European Union's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health risks, claims that music pumped into the ears over just 90dB is dangerous.

Meglena Kuneva, the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, said: 'We need to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology.'

The committee found that more than a million Britons could go deaf because they listen to their music too loud and too long.

Up to 10 per cent of iPod and other MP3 users across Europe are risking deafness if they listen for more than an hour a day for at least five years, it said

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