Apple today announced a software update for the iPod nano and fifth generation iPod, that lets customers set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child's iPod and lock it with a combination code.

iPods have come under fire in the last few months as contributing to hearing loss. The move may seem to some like it is motivated more out of the interest of avoiding liability, than interest in customer's safety.

According to Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product 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."

The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from the Apple site. The new Volume Limit feature works with any headphone or accessory plugged into the iPod headphone jack as well as the iPod Radio Remote.

More on safe listening with iPod is available at the Apple site.