That’s because Apple saw the light and modified its iPod software so we can limit the player’s maximum volume setting.

Various consumer groups and medical researchers have complained that the iPod’s maximum volume is way too high for human ears. Furthermore, these same responsible citizens expressed concerns that even brief listening sessions with the player’s sound cranked to the max could result in hearing loss.

Of course, trusting customers not to blow their ears out by turning that flywheel all the way to the right is not an option in the world of high-tech, nor highly visible class-action lawsuits.

On today’s consumer/legal landscape it’s not enough to market a reasonably safe product. Instead, a company must also ensure that even complete idiots won’t accidentally harm themselves. After all, you don’t want a fast food chain selling coffee that’s too hot if spilled onto your lap, do you?

Actually, a volume limit for personal music players does make sense for parents who want to protect their children. Besides, we all know people who can only benefit from being protected from themselves. So Apple probably did the right thing.

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

“Increased attention” is right. A Louisiana man filed suit against the company earlier this year, claiming the iPod might cause hearing damage. Plus, back in 2002 the company was forced to pull players from store shelves in France when that country imposed a 100db limit for personal players. Various reports indicate iPods can reach anywhere from 115db to 130db.

However, the fix isn’t for all iPods. It’s just for the Nano and video models. Along with the software upgrade is a new feature allowing parents to set the amount of time their children can listen to the player.

But Apple’s upgrade didn’t impress Steve Berman of the law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, which is leading a class action suit against Apple. Although the firm lauds Apple’s move to give customers the necessary tools to limit the player’s maximum volume, Berman claims Apple’s action acknowledges product flaws.

“It is good to know that Apple finally acknowledges that there is a serious flaw with its iPod product, and is giving U.S. purchasers the same protection it has been giving French purchasers since 2002,” Berman said. “Unfortunately, this patch doesn’t help the millions of people who own older models – it is a jack-legged workaround that falls well short of what consumers demand and deserve.”

At least, that’s what we think he said. To tell the truth, our hearing isn’t what it used to be. Not since we bought our iPod.