The device to be incorporated in future iPods automatically calculates how long a user has been listening and at what level of volume. If the listener has been playing music at full blast for too long, the controller device automatically lowers the volume.
The device also automatically raises the volume to safe level from the time the iPod is turned on. Apple did not issue more details about the device.
The safe volume level is considered to be 70 decibels. But the volume of iPods can reach up to 100 decibels, which is harmful and can cause permanent hearing damage even when listening for a short period of time.
According to a research of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNIDP), more than four million young people 16 to 24 years old are at risk of hearing damage from listening to loud music.
RNIDP chief executive Dr. John Low warned that listeners could end up facing premature hearing damage.
