Unveiled: Apple patent to protect iPod listeners

Tech News

By Stevie Smith Dec 26, 2007, 6:33 GMT

Having recently removed rumour-based site ThinkSecret.com from the Net in a legal settlement concerning the practice of advanced technology unveilings, Apple Inc. might not be feeling especially festive today in the face of fresh iPod whisperings that point to the implementation of automatic volume control. An uncovered tech patent indicates that Apple is planning on protecting the ears of iPod users. Credit: Apple.

An uncovered tech patent indicates that Apple is planning on protecting the ears of iPod users. Credit: Apple.More pointedly, online rumour mongering would suggest that future versions of Apple’s iconic iPod music and media player will be adapted to include technology that reduces playback volume over time to protect the user’s hearing. If true, this particular rumour will make aural enjoyment somewhat difficult for those who like the world to hear whatever is blasting through their iPod’s headphones. According to an uncovered technology patent, upcoming iPod and iPhone devices will protect user hearing, which is sensitive to damage over time, by automatically monitoring and assessing the length of time a user has been listening to their music and at what volume level. The technology will then slowly bring down the sound level to protect the listener. It will also allow users to later return the volume to a higher (but still safe) level by calculating the "quiet time" amassed during the point between when the iPod/iPhone was switched off and when the user once again plugs in. "Since the damaging effect on users’ hearing is both gradual and cumulative, even those users who are concerned about hearing loss may not behave in a manner that would limit or minimise such damaging effects," outlines Apple’s protective patent. While some MP3 players are able to produce in-ear sounds exceeding 120 decibels, the iPod is already somewhat restricted to around 100 decibels. However, safety outlines suggest that volume levels above 70 decibels are potentially harmful to human hearing, which still leaves the iPod’s sound output well above recommended levels.The arrival of Apple’s patent comes in the wake of a study conducted by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), which claims that over 4 million people between the ages of 16 and 24 are risking their long-term hearing by listening to excessively loud music on their portable music devices."If young people don't heed our warnings about safer listening, they could end up facing premature hearing damage," advised Dr. John Low, chief executive of the RNID, in a Daily Mail report. "If you regularly plug in, it is only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage your hearing for ever."California-based Apple Inc. has thus far offered no official comment regarding the recent unveiling of its technology patent.

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