Ipod volumes: more information needed but users should remain free to choose

Harbour supports clearer labelling and default volume levels

Brussels, 28th September 2009 - The chairman of the European Parliament's consumer protection committee, Malcolm Harbour MEP, has welcomed the European Commission's proposals that encourage users of personal music players to keep the volume down whilst continuing to allow personal choice, however he has asked the commission to ensure that such an agreement be voluntary with manufacturers.

The commission's proposals would see the default volume setting on a player reduced to around 80 decibels - the level at which it is unlikely that long-term hearing damage will occur. Users will be able to override the default but only after receiving health warnings from the device.

Mr Harbour said:

"This initiative is not only beneficial to our ears but hopefully it will reduce the number of times we have to listen to the din of someone else's personal stereo on the bus or the tube.

"As long as they are not disturbing others, it should be for the listeners themselves to decide how loud they play their music. However there is little awareness regarding the amount of long-term damage that can be done to our hearing from excessive noise so it is right to ask manufacturers to clearly inform users of the risks.

"The European Commission has said it will now discuss the plans with manufacturers. If the commission can reach a voluntary agreement with the major manufacturers it would be far preferable to a new law that may stifle the development of new technology."

ENDS

Contact: Malcolm on +32 228 45132
James Holtum on +32 473 861762

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