Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Democrat on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, released the following statement in response to today’s announcement that Apple will provide updated software for their most recent iPod music players, to give consumers the option to set a maximum volume level for the device.
“I commend Apple for taking this important first step in giving consumers the tools they need to protect themselves from possible hearing loss,” said Rep. Markey. “There is no doubt that consumers have benefited from the remarkable innovation we have seen in portable music players over the past few years in terms of both choice and value, but we need to make sure to avoid preventable hearing damage that could turn consumers off to these devices permanently.”
“It is my hope that other portable music device manufacturers will follow Apple’s lead and give consumers the chance to set the maximum volume at a safe level,” Rep. Markey continued. “At the same time, further research is needed to determine with certainty the possibilities of noise induced hearing losses from these devices and safe limits for both volume and listening duration. The bottom line is that consumers need to know if they are at risk and what can be done to reduce the possibility of injury from these devices. Once consumers have this information they will be better able to use Apple’s new technology to protect themselves.”
Rep. Markey has lead the effort in Congress to prevent noise induced hearing loss from portable music players, and this January he sent a letter to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDOCD), National Institutes of Health requesting a review of the available scientific information regarding the impact of portable music players. In their response, the NIDOCD agreed that this was an area of concern, but the limited nature of the available research prevents them from offering the type of firm recommendations that are needed to ensure that consumers are fully protected from the possibility of injury.
For more information about Rep. Markey’s work on consumer protection and to see copies of his correspondence with the NIDOCD, check out: http://www.markey.house.gov/
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Related articles:
Apple releases iPod software update; provides volume limit setting for iPod – March 29, 2006
The useless iPod ‘potential for hearing loss’ lawsuit – February 05, 2006
Report: Apple iPod hearing loss lawsuit headed by Microsoft retained trial lawyer – February 02, 2006
iPod user sues Apple over hearing loss [UPDATED] – February 01, 2006
Pro-Microsoft attorney involved in anti-Apple iPod nano lawsuit – October 25, 2005
My iPod is not loud enough. WHAT? SPEAK UP!
DID I TELL YOU ALL ABOUT MY 5.1 STEREO THAT PLAYS 124 DB AT 1 METER? I’VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME LISTENING TO IT AND ITS ALOT BETTER THAN THE APPLE HI FI.
WHAT? SPEAK UP!
@ndelc
Well said.
At first glance, I thought this update *forced* a lower level of volume on you, and I was mentally calculating how long I could hold out without updating. I use a tapedeck converter in my car, and the iPod and the car stereo both need to be turned up almost all the way in order to get an audible signal. But seeing as the volume limit is user controlled, I’m pretty happy with it. I can turn a limit on when I’ll be listening with earbuds, and off when I’m playing thru my car stereo
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WAKE UP AMERICA,WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS.WHEN IS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN.IF IT IS TOO LOUD TURN IT DOWN .IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO FIGURE OUT .WHAT ABOUT ALL OF THE OTHER PLAYERS IN USE ,WHY ARE THEY NOT MENTIONED.I THINK OF THE EAGLES SONG GET OVER IT.MONEY,MONEY MONEY,IT IS ASHAME.. SOON EVERYTHING WILL BE REGULATED OUT OF OUR LIFE.THEN WE WILL HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT .
“I commend Apple for taking this important first step in giving consumers the tools they need to protect themselves from possible hearing loss…”
Actually, the first step was the volume control. This is a second, additional step just for idiots.
My iPod has the ability to easily adjust the output levels to varying degrees. If I think it’s too loud, I can turn it down.
makes no difference anyway! In the Uk and europe the ipod is limited volue wise already but it can be easily hacked to derestrict it.
volue=volume
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jbmalik = forum whore
If only there were some sort of … control. For volume. Like if you could push some buttons or maybe spin that little click wheel to change the volume. That would be nice because then you could turn down the volume when it’s too loud.