After several cases of people trying to sue Apple for reportedly causing hearing loss due to prolonged use of the popular iPod MP3 player, Apple has filed a patent for an automatic volume adjuster to help protect iPod users' hearing. This is in addition to the existing iPod option that lets users set limits on the maximum volume level.

This application calculates how long you've been listening to music, and how high the volume is cranked up. If the application deduces that you are exposed to potentially damaging noise levels, the iPod will automatically turn down the volume. The application will also take into account the time between when the iPod is last turned off and when it is turned on again.

It's still a question whether or not this feature can be turned off by users once implemented, but as long as it will save our hearing in the long run then why not, right?