Apple Patents Healthy Hearing Protection

Nothing remains a secret for long in the tech world and the web is abuzz about Apple’s filing of a patent for technology that protects the users of the company’s ubiquitous iPod and iPhone.

Did the company actually file the patent? It was supposed to be a secret. But there are numerous sources from different industry segments all agreeing that Apple has, indeed, applied for a patent to protect its innovative hearing protection system.

How Does It Work?

Hearing loss happens over time, gradually. It’s subtle. You may not notice it for years until one day things just don’t sound right. You could be 25 or 65, it doesn’t matter. Exposure to loud noise over time will lead to hearing loss. That’s just a plain old fact.
An Apple iPod is capable of producing sound pressure levels (decibels, the measurement of sound volume) exceeding 100 dBs, more than enough sound to damage the delicate equipment nature provided so you could hear the world around you.

The patent-pending technology consists of a timing mechanism and a volume measurement. If the iPod determines that the user is damaging his/her ears listening at a particular volume for long periods of time, the system gradually lowers the volume to a safe level, giving sensitive ear bits time to recover from the onslaught of sound produced by those tiny ear buds.

The adjustment process is automatic and those in the know believe that it won’t lessen the listening experience for most users who don’t listen to music or other sound at ear-splitting volumes.

The Consumer’s Reaction

Should a corporation, in this case Apple, deny the right to blast sound if that’s what the consumer wants to do? Ummm, yes. Car manufacturers are required to install safety devices and the iPod, which doesn’t come with a warning label, should also be available with safety features that protect against hearing loss.

There’s been a lot of blow-by on this in the digital press: What right does Apple have to tell me how loud I should listen to music? Well, if you want to blow out your ear drums, there are still plenty of ways to do it.

For most iPod users, this will be a welcome feature – one they’ll appreciate it in the years ahead. And for those who feel that Apple is infringing on their right to go deaf, hit yourself on the head with a hammer. You’ll feel better about protecting your rights to hurt yourself.

Provided by the Help-U-Hear office of Dr. Dewaltd.  For more information go to HealthyHearing.com