Apple is introducing a free software update for the iPod that will give users new volume controls helping them to set maximum levels.

And the software also comes with parental locks that will allow parents to set limits on their children’s iPods.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president for iPod marketing, noted that the company wanted to make the music player even more user friendly.

“As the leading provider of digital music players, Apple continuously brings iPod customers innovative and easy-to-use solutions,” he said. “With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy-to-use option to set their own personal volume limit.”

Experts noted that even though iPods are more popular than other kinds of portable music player, their ability to damage the user’s hearing is not any greater.

University of Northern Colorado audiology professor Jennifer Weber said: “Any excessive sound level has the potential of causing hearing damage, whether it’s an iPod or a Walkman, or a loud hairdryer.”

iPods come with a warning that states: “Permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume.”

© 2006 Adfero Ltd