The European Commission wants to limit maximum volume on all portable MP3 players sold in the EU, including iPods, to protect users' hearing. This follows a report last year warning that as many as 10 million Europeans are putting their hearing at risk when they listen to loud music on their MP3 players. According to the EU experts, the default maximum should be set at 85 decibels. Users would be able to override this setting to reach a top limit of 100 decibels. DigitalEurope, the Brussels-based body representing the industry, agrees safety must be improved, but according to their spokesman Tony Graziano, "85 decibels would not be appropriate because noise coming from traffic, engines and so on would obliterate the sound. (…) The solution must lie in a balance between safety and enjoyment of the product by the consumer". In January, a two-month consultation of all EU standardization bodies will begin on these proposals, with a final agreement expected in the Spring. (Picture: European Community).