PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked young people whether manufacturers of personal stereo equipment such as the Walkman should be required to limit the maximum volume of the equipment to help prevent permanent hearing loss.

Gretchen Whaley: "I think they should limit the volume on them. Some people go deaf because of these, and I don't think it's right. You could injure your ears with them without knowing it."

Michael Lind: "I think they should set a limit on the volume, because you need your ears. Maybe the younger kids who have them don't understand what can happen to their hearing when they turn it up too loud."

Pamela Allen: "I think they really should make them with a maximum volume. It's also dangerous when kids have them so loud when they are out on the streets and can't hear what is around them."

Chris Martin: "I think we should be able to listen to as high a volume as we want. If people want it soft, turn it down. If you want it loud, turn it up. I may be risking my hearing, but I like it loud."

Jennifer Layton: "I think there should be an upper volume limit. The manufacturers should care about the consumer's hearing and do this to protect them. I never turn mine up above "five," but this would still be good."

Monte Livingston: "I think it's your freedom that matters, and you should be able to listen to it as loud as you want. This should be decided by the consumer. I think that you can just tell when it is too loud."