Some iPods are capable of playing music at over 100 decibels, which can lead to long-term hearing loss; however, it's unclear whether such a feature could be deactivated.
Listening to music nonstop has never been easier since the iPod came along. However, future versions of Apple's MP3 player are to be adapted to prevent users from playing tracks at full blast through their earphones for too long.
Amid growing fears that listeners could cause irreversible damage to their hearing - the highest setting is as loud as a chainsaw - Apple is developing an automatic volume control.
