EU may restrict MP3 player noise to prevent ear damage

Posted on Monday, September 28 2009 @ 16:01 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
The EU has presented new measures to minimise risks of hearing damage from personal music player devices. The plan is to limit the standard volume of MP3 players and cell phones to 80dB, down from the current limitation of 100dB.

The new standards will ensure that normal default settings on your portable media devices will not expose you to a risk to hearing. It will still be possible to pump up the volume above 80dB, but only after a message warns the user that higher volume settings can lead to permanent hearing damage.

Meglena Kunva, European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, will discuss the plan with consumer electronics device makers before making a final decision. Consumer electronics device makers would then have two years to make their devices compatible with the new regulation.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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