seems like it'd be better served to have some sort of limit on how loud the volume on a device can be set. maybe in the system preferences set MAX = 75%, but in Finder allow the volume to be set at 100% in the UI but the system keeping it limited. make this a per Output setting so when you switch back to Built-in or other external device it is not limited to anything but your buds.
The issue is while your system volume can be the same, media volume varies immensely. Listening to one album, it could be all relatively low and gentle. The next one could be noise that blasts your ears but you don't really think about it due to focusing on something else.
Sometimes I'll try adjusting my volume down to half and notice everything still sounds fine. It's a sign that I was listening to something way too loud without even realizing it.
