MEDICAL experts have warned that personal MP3 players, such as Apple's iPod, should be limited at 90 decibels output, around two-thirds of the maximum volume of a typical device.

A failure to act could result in a generation of on-the-go music fans suffering major hearing loss.

According to Christine De Placido, principal audiological scientist at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy: "It would be beneficial to reduce the volume and restrict the usage of personal players. The difficulty is in persuading people to do this before their hearing is damaged."

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) is so concerned it has issued advice on how to use MP3 players safely.

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