Debating Volume Control and Healthcare
Here in the U.S., a great deal of talk is swirling about government-regulated healthcare. Over in Europe, they've already got a universal healthcare option, so they're focusing on something else-regulating volume levels on MP3 players.
The European Union has asked Apple, makers of the iPod, and other manufacturers, to "display labels advising users of the damaging long-term effects of loud music on their hearing or to devise a system of on-screen alerts triggered by the prolonged use of headphones at high noise levels," according to an article in the London-based The Times.
However, the EU isn't stopping there; they also plan to set a union-wide default volume setting of 80 decibels for portable music players. The Times reports that this is the volume deemed safe for 40 hours of use per week. Although users will be able to override the default, the EU is calling for periodic warnings from the music device if the unsafe volume level persists.
Another article on the matter can be found in the Seattle Times. That article produced this nugget of information:
"The EU's executive commission said the maximum sound levels of players now being sold range between 80 and 115 decibels. Using different earphones could add to those levels by up to 9 decibels. Above 120 decibels is equivalent to the level of noise generated by an airplane taking off."
It's worth noting that the Seattle Times goes on to say that such a move wouldn't be unprecedented-Apple already ships iPods with a warning label and has made moves in recent years to limit volume levels after France passed a law capping sound to 100 decibels for music players.
Obviously, people are going to fall on both sides this issue-some will say it's smart move by the EU, because people haven't actually grasped the long term problems that could result from excessive music; others will scoff at the notion, saying that it's a person's right to listen to loud music and their responsibility to make safe choices.
It's an interesting debate, and it's similar to the one we in the U.S. are currently grappling concerning healthcare. Here's an example of how similar these conversations have become:
Should the government be regulating healthcare because people are unable to pay for it or because some are stupid/naive enough to try to get by without it? Or should it be the responsibility of the individual?
Should the government be regulating volume of portable music players because people are unable to realize the consequences or because some are stupid/naive enough not to care? Or should it be a responsibility of the individual?
My gut instinct is to say the government would be overstepping their bounds--that things like hearing health, healthcare, heck, even Social Security, shouldn't be mandated by the government, but rather should be left to the individuals.
However, the problem with gut instinct is that it's usually simplistic, and doesn't leave a lot of room for gray area. In this case, I like my gut instinct--at least I would, if we lived in a bubble where everyone makes sound responsible decisions and life isn't unfair to sects of the population who aren't properly informed or wealthy enough to even be capable of making said decisions.
But, as nice as it sounds, that bubble doesn't exist. We live in the world where things aren't exactly fair and every Joe walking down the street doesn't have all the facts to make the logical decision. It's why we've developed things like Social Security and affirmative action-to protect us against the unfair nature of the world, and, to put it bluntly, to protect us from ourselves. The regulations are not always perfect, of course, and, yes, they limit freedom somewhat, but they're done in earnest and with good intention.
In the end, I'm not exactly sold on universal healthcare, nor am I sold on the idea of mandating volume control (especially if it would lead to constant annoying messages if people overrode them-wouldn't one or two be enough?). That said, I think both are worthy of discussion and may be our best option.
What do you think?