With every iPod I’ve owned (two) I’ve only ever used about the top 1/4 of the volume setting. As soon as I turn it down to about 1/2, I can no longer hear anything. This American Life requires that the volume be as loud as possible if I’m on the subway. Is my city too loud? Do I have hearing loss from my nightclub days? Are there better ear buds to be using? (I keep buying the apple variety) Is there a point to the lowest 1/3 of the volume setting?