The technology of headphones has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1800s. From the heavy and cumbersome devices used by telephone operators to the revolutionary noise-cancelling technology we have today, let’s take a look at the key milestones in the evolution of headphones.
1880s:
The 10-pound Headphones In the 1880s, the first headphones were designed by Ezra Gilliland for telephone operators. These headphones consisted of a single earpiece and a mouthpiece connected by a strap that ran down the user’s back. However, each unit weighed a staggering 10 pounds, making them impractical and short-lived.
1891:
The Electrophone The electrophone, invented in the United Kingdom, offered a subscription service that relayed live theatre performances and music shows to subscribers. The device featured a pair of audio receivers attached to a headband, which users held over their ears similar to a stethoscope. Although popular for some time, the electrophone declined in popularity with the rise of free wireless radio.
1910:
The First Official Audio Headphones Nathaniel Baldwin is often credited with inventing the first official audio headphones. He created a device with two sound receivers attached to an adjustable headband, which resembled modern headphones. The US Navy recognized the potential of these headphones and purchased about 100 units for their radio operators.
1958:
The Koss Revolution In 1958, John C. Koss invented the world’s first true stereo headphones, the SP/3. These headphones had mini speakers covered in cardboard and foam, providing a whole new music listening experience. Koss’ innovation paved the way for other renowned brands like Philips and Sennheiser.
1979:
The Walkman and Portability The release of the Sony Walkman in 1979 marked a significant milestone in headphone history. This portable music player allowed people to enjoy music on the go, emphasizing the need for portable headphones. While Sony’s Walkman was a success, it also led to the demand for better headphone options from other manufacturers.
The Rise of Noise-Cancelling Technology Despite the popularity of headphones, noise-cancelling technology took several decades to develop and reach consumers. The idea of active noise cancellation was proposed by Paul Lueg in 1933, outlining the concept of canceling sound waves with opposite sound waves using speakers and microphones.
Conclusion:
The evolution of headphones has been a fascinating journey, from the heavy and rudimentary designs of the past to the sophisticated noise-cancelling technology we have today. Headphones have come a long way, improving the way we listen to music and enjoy audio content in our daily lives.