Apple to launch automatic volume control iPods to protect hearing

London, Dec 24 (UNI) Here is some good news for your ears-- Future versions of Apple's iPods will come with an automatic volume control to avoid damage to hearing.

The iPods are to be adapted to prevent users from playing tracks at full blast through their earphones for too long.

A new patent revealed that the next iPods and iPhones could automatically calculate how long a person has been listening and at what volume, before gradually reducing the sound level, the Daily Mail reported.

The device will also calculate the amount of ''quiet time'' between when the iPod is turned off and when it is restarted, allowing the volume to be increased again to a safe level.

The patent states, ''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.'' Listening to volumes below 70 decibels is considered safe.

Currently, iPods can reach volumes of over 100 decibels, enough to cause permanent damage after just 15 minutes.

UNI