How headphones evolved over the years - The Economic Times (2024)

FAQs

How did headphones change over time? ›

From single-ear to earbuds, from wired to wireless, from active noise cancelling to acoustic technology, the development of headphones has been constantly evolving. Modern headphone designs are more ergonomic, comfortable, and have better sound quality and richer features.

Quick Answer. The use of headphones instead of traditional speakers is drastically changing how music is being listened to, recorded, mixed and mastered. The bulk of these changes results from the lack of room acoustics associated with headphone use, but many other important factors come into play.

The first headphones were developed in the late 19th century for use by switchboard operators, to keep their hands free. Initially, the audio quality was mediocre and a step forward was the invention of high fidelity headphones. Headphones exhibit a range of different audio reproduction quality capabilities.

The first true headphones, as we know it now, were designed by an engineer called Nathan Baldwin on his kitchen table. As much as people ignored his invention, the US Navy understood the importance of his invention and bought hundreds of them. These were used for defence purposes.

However, it was the introduction of Bluetooth technology in 1995 that truly paved the way for wireless headphones. Bluetooth headphones became more popular in the early 2000s, offering enhanced call stability, noise reduction, and music enjoyment.

By the 1970s, headphones had established themselves beyond the realm of work as a way to enjoy music – even in hi-fi sound quality — without disturbing others. The next step was to untether headphones from home stereo systems so that people could enjoy their private sonic oasis anywhere.

In addition to production and distribution, technology has also transformed the way music is performed live. The introduction of electronic instruments and equipment, such as synthesizers and drum machines, has expanded the sonic possibilities for musicians.

Headphones allow people to enjoy music and have conversations from anywhere at any time. The ease of headphone use and the mobility that they afford cannot be overstated. This is particularly true currently, as our society spends more time with virtual meetings and headphones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's portable audio devices can get as loud as 120 dBA, which is equivalent to the sound levels at a rock concert. Listening to audio at this level can lead to hearing damage in a matter of seconds. Audiologists recommend keeping the audio levels at or below 60 percent of the maximum volume.

It wasn't until 1937 that the first pair of dynamic headphones for home use was invented by the German company BayerDynamic. However, in 1958 John Koss invented the first ever stereo headphones, the Koss SP-3, as a jazz lover he was tired of using the low-quality headphones used by radio operators.

Who invented headphones in 1950? ›

After both World Wars, in 1950 a man named John C. Koss invented stereo headphones for personal music consumption, and they have flourished into the headphones that we have today.

The first headsets with a receiver for each ear were just called "telephones". The name was supplanted by "headphones" by the beginning of the 1920s when they were being widely used to listen to broadcasting via crystal sets.

Nathaniel Baldwin invented headphones in 1910. With the US Navy's guidance, Baldwin's final design consisted of two sound receivers, each containing a mile of copper wiring, attached to the operator's headband. This design was the foundation for electricity-free telephones used in World War II.

The Electrophone headset was shaped like a cross between a stethoscope and a tennis racket, and it held headphones to the ear from two sides of a hand-held stick. The hand-held design could be pulled away from the ears easily, creating a headphone use case that was more social than private.

Today's wireless headsets can be considered an updated version of the technology developed for astronauts by the space agency. Before then, the headsets used by airplane pilots were bulky and uncomfortable. That is why NASA commissioned a headset that could fit inside an astronaut's helmet while not being too heavy.

You may notice that fresh out of the box headphones tend to sound sharp and become smoother over time. This is because consistent use causes the moving components to settle in over time.

Headphones work by converting electrical signals from your device into sound waves that you can hear. They consist of drivers, which are essentially small speakers, that produce the audio based on the electronic signals they receive.

Moving into the jet age of the 1960s, the Koss headphone developed a more future-forward, high-tech look, with broader headbands, radio dials, and noise-blocking cups reminiscent of fighter pilots' headgear.