EU to impose MP3 player volume limit

[joeblow]

EU to impose MP3 player volume limit
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:06:00 GMT

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=1 ... id=3510212



A report warning about permanent hearing loss in up to 10 million people in Europe has prompted the EU to consider a maximum volume setting for personal music players.

European Commission has been planning to introduce a maximum volume levels on MP3 players as well as portable media players so that users' hearing can be protected.

The commission wants all MP3 players sold in the EU, including iPods and iTouch, to share the same volume limits.

The latest studies found some portable music players have a sound level of beyond 120 decibels. This sound pressure level is the equivalent of a jet taking off.

Workers are not allowed to be exposed to such high sound pressure level for more than 30 seconds. However, less people working in heavy industries need to see doctors for hearing problems. Conversely younger people exposed to recreational noise need hearing checkups more.

EU experts want the default maximum setting to be 85 decibels, BBC reported.

In January, a two-month consultation of all EU standardization bodies will begin on these proposals, with a final agreement expected in the spring.

NAT/SC/DT