Design improvements on headphones over the years

The Birth of Headphones

1880

The first headphones, invented in the 1880s, were not initially designed for music. They were created as a means of communication, with operators using them to interact with customers.

Early Models

1891

large and uncomfortable, weighing around 10 pounds. It wasn't until a French engineer filed a patent in 1891 for a lightweight and comfortable earbud-style headphone that the design started to resemble what we know today.

First Civilian Broadcasting using the Headphones

1895

n 1895, the first civilian broadcast headphones emerged, allowing people to enjoy live music and information from the comfort of their homes.

Major Innovations

1910

Military Use to Dynamic Sound In 1910, the American company Baldwin introduced the first modern headset, designed for military intelligence officers. This double over-ear headset provided excellent sound insulation and became the precursor to all future headphone designs.

First Dynamic Headphone

1937

In 1937, German scientist Eugen Beyer unveiled the world's first dynamic headphones, which offered exceptional sound quality.

Noise Cancellation

1978

Fast forward to 1978 when BOSE founder developed the concept of active noise cancellation technology, leading to the birth of commercial noise-canceling headphones in 1989.

Walkman

1979

Sony's groundbreaking Walkman transformed headphones into a portable music companion. With foam ear cushions and lightweight sound units, people could now enjoy music on the go like never before. This revolutionized the way we listen and set the stage for future portable headphone designs