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Lobby action is being taken by a group of EU officials to reduce the volume that mp3 players can be played at. Research has shown that when sound reaches over 78dB (78 decibels) the human ear can receive damage if exposed to noise at this volume for anything over a few minutes.

The current batch of mp3 players that are available in the UK and Europe can produce volume up to, and over 115dB. The officials are lobbying to introduce a maximum volume setting of 85dB, which is to apply to all brands including iPods. The health and safety legislation report that current existing for places of work carries the advice that people should not be exposed to 115dB for 30 seconds, or longer.

Apple had already dropped their maximum volume to 100dB, but if the new legislation is passed on personal devices throughout Europe, they will have to re-adjust it down a further 15dB for consumers.

An audiology study confirmed that nerve damage to the inner ear is permanent and cannot be treated. SO once damaged, the patient cannot regain the hearing back to what it previously was.

Seems people are getting very attached to their personal music devices and mobile phones, so much so they are prepared to die for them. The first reported of someone dying for their mobile case was 5 years ago, when a teenage girl jumped on the subway tracks at Grand Avenue station in the Queens suburb of New York, to retrieve her mobile phone. It was around 2pm in the day when she jumped down, but was not able to get back to the platform before being hit by a train.

More recently, but again in New York, a man died at Pennsylvania Avenue Station when to jumped on to the tracks at 8.30am to retrieve his dropped mp3 player, but unfortunately he was struck by on oncoming train and died instantaneously.

Central Park West Station, New York, is the latest station where a death has occurred. It was reported a Hispanic man in his early 30’s was seen having a heated argument on his mobile phone when he accidently dropped his mp3 player down on to the tracks. After jumping down to get it, he was not able to get back up in time before the next train came, which ploughed him down. The station was closed for several hours while the cleanup of his dismembered body was undertaken.

Research developers based at the University of Bristol are working on new technology which will power up by the vibration the item picks up from its surroundings.

The technology, which would be ideal for MP3 players, is based on vibration energy harvesting equipment which utilises a spring and mass mechanism, which captures the resonance given off in the form of small vibrations, which is then amplified to become a usable energy.

At present, tests are showing that this method can harness movement and convert it to energy. First working trials are using low frequencies of the vibration, but it is hoped that higher ranges of frequency can be utilised, which could potentially will generate more power.

As well as MP3 players, phones could be charged in the same fashion and even heart monitors. The test equipment can currently pick up vibrations ranging from choppers flying close by, to passing trains, to even some human body movements.

It is hoped that in 5 years time, we shall see various consumer products powered by these means, with the possibilities of larger items like cars being powered expected in 10 years time.