Due to increasing concerns that iPod devices may be harmful to their users’ hearing, Apple has decided to allow Nano and Video iPod users to set a maximum volume limit on its devices through a software application.
This will give parents the possibility to ensure that their children are not listening to music at a level that is too loud and that may cause irreparable damage their children’s hearing.
Whether adult iPod users will use the software to protect their own hearing is still a debatable issue.
Unfortunately, most iPod listeners seek total immersion into their songs and music through cranking it up to as loud a volume as possible — and are not concerned about hearing loss until it is too late.
Although Apple issues a warning on each of its iPod to the effect that “permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume” and advises its users to “listen responsibly,” it is currently facing a lawsuit on hearing loss caused by its iPods. Funny how lawsuits have a way of getting busineses to listen [pun intended].
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), listening to sounds at a volume of 110 decibels for over a minute and a half will cause permanent hearing loss.
At 85 decibels, the maximum exposure time before hearing is endangered is about 8 hours.
To get an idea of how loud 85 decibels is, just imagine having to listen to your alarm clock (roughly at 80 dB) for 8 hours.
A mere increase of 3 dB represents a doubling of sound intensity. The sound level of the iPod can go beyond 115 dB.
We recommend that readers do use Apple’s software to set their iPod’s maximum volume to 80 dB or less.
To download the software, click here.
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