In the 1880s, switchboard operators used bulky headphones weighing over 10 pounds. These headphones had one earpiece attached to a phone and a large microphone on the shoulder.
In 1891, French engineer Ernest Mercadier patented the first version of in-ear headphones called the “bi-telephone.” They were lightweight and portable, similar to today’s in-ear monitors (IEMs), but were mainly used for telephone communication.
The 1890s saw the emergence of the Electrophone, a subscription service in London that allowed users to listen to live theatre performances through specialized headphones connected to their telephone lines.
In 1910, Nathaniel Baldwin invented the first modern headphones, featuring padded ear cups and headbands for comfortable wear. Initially overlooked, the US Navy’s interest in his design led to a successful business opportunity.
In 1958, John Koss developed the first commercially available headphones for music listening, paving the way for other brands and personal music listening popularity.
The 1960s introduced wireless “radio headphones,” which used built-in radio antennas to allow users to listen to radios on the go. In 1966, Koss partnered with The Beatles to market branded headphones to a teenage audience.
In 1969, Sennheiser’s HD 414 became the first open-back headphones, offering improved audio quality, comfort, and breathability.
Sony revolutionized the headphone industry in 1979 with the Walkman, making music listening portable and personal. Third-party headphones gained popularity as users sought better audio quality.
In 1989, Bose introduced noise-canceling headphones, initially developed for pilots and eventually becoming popular for personal use.
The 1990s witnessed the growth of smaller and more portable headphones, including in-ear monitors, earbuds, and neckband headphones, to accompany portable music devices.
In 1994, Werner Bottesch introduced bone conduction headphones, utilizing technology that had been known for decades but became commercially available as a hearing aid alternative.
Throughout the years, headphones have evolved from bulky communication tools to compact and advanced personal audio devices, catering to various preferences and needs of users.