Volume restrictions for MP3 players are set to be introduced by the European Commission in order to protect users’ hearing.

Rightly or wrongly, It seems that the EU is entering more and more into the lives of it’s citizens. This time, the E wants to restrict all MP3 players, inc. iPods to the same volume level.

A spokesman for the ANEC informed the British Broadcasting Corporation that:

“There are up to 10 million Europeans, mainly young people, who are at risk of losing their hearing permanently in the next five years due to their personal listening habits. The units on the market at the moment, some of them are capable of generating a volume of beyond 115 decibels; now if we compare that with health and safety legislation, workers are not allowed to be exposed to that levels of volume for more than 30 seconds.”

January next year (2010), a 2 month consultation of standardization bodies from all of the EU will commence, and it is expected that an agreement will be announced sometime in Spring 2010.

It has also been stated that certain mp3 players are capable of reaching a level of 120 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a jet plane during take off, wheras scientific experts say that the max. volume should be 85 decibels tops.

However a spokesperson for DigitalEurope, Tony Graziano does not agree, talking to the BBC, he said:

“Eighty five decibels would not be appropriate because noise coming from traffic, engines and so on would obliterate the sound,”

“The solution must lie in a balance between safety and enjoyment of the product by the consumer.”

MEP Martin Callanan (Conservative party) said:

“Kids have always listened to their music loud and this is not going to stop them.”

“You have to educate them to the risks but ultimately you have to allow personal responsibility and personal choice.”

Will EU mp3 Player Legislation Protect People or Annoy Them?

We would like our readers to comment below of their thoughts on the matter…

Should the EU have the right to limit the volume of MP3 players that we buy, is this protection?

Or do you feel that this is just another step too far, interfering with our lives in ways that are not welcomed?

Let us know what you think via the comments box below…

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Written by: Andy, who runs a website about SEO Agency