EU Believes MP3 players are ‘Too Loud’

In what might seem like another move from the nanny state, the European Commission is now calling for a ‘maximum suggested volume’ to be set on every MP3 player sold in the EU in order to protect peoples hearing. They want all of the devices currently available to share the same volume limit, including the popular Apple iPod brands.

A report that looked into how loud volume was damaging hearing was conducted in 2008 and warned that around 10 million people could face permanent hearing loss by listening to loud music for long periods of time. The EU has asked that the maximum factory setting – the volume the devices are shipped with – should be around 85 decibels; while this setting would be overridden to as much as 100 should users decide.

Currently while manufacturers must print safety information there are no ‘hardware’ locks on volume limits or even warnings on the devices themselves. Some personal music players can currently reach as high as 120 decibels. The reason the problem has become such a big deal to the EU despite personal music players being available for over 20 years is that modern players can hold so much music and are used much more regularly.

The spokesman for DigitalEurope, the body representing the industry said that safety should be improved but warned that 85 decibels would be too low to efficiently enjoy a device like an MP3 while outside in a busy area, or near traffic.

“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.”

However, with more and more young people being treated for hearing loss or tinnitus directly as a result of prolonged exposure to loud music, perhaps simply educating listeners is not enough. A final agreement is expected before summer 2010.

Do you think that our MP3 players and other in ear devices like mobile phone headsets should have their volumes limited by the EU, or do you think the decision should be one of education and personal choice?