iPods to Add Volume Throttle?

British scribes have unearthed a patent that raises the specter of Apple adding automatic volume control to future iPods. The proposed system would monitor how long the user has been listening to music at what volume and gradually decrease the volume when it determined hearing damage was imminent. The system would also calculate a period of "quiet time" between when the device is turned off and restarted, after which one could gradually increase the volume. According to the patent:

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 minimize such damaging effects.

The cilia-toasting potential of loud music delivered through earbuds and similar media has been apparent for ages to anyone who cares, so utilization of the invention would make sense for Apple if only from a lawsuit-prevention standpoint.

Apple to launch iPod with automatic volume control that can protect your hearing[Daily Mail]