Join the Lesson: A Brief History Of Headphones

by Ashas Bukhari

Join the Lesson: A Brief History Of Headphones

6 Jul 2024

One can hardly set foot anywhere in today’s world without seeing someone wearing a pair of headphones. Something about having your own personal voice in your head just makes people stick pieces of plastic, rubber and metal (but mostly plastic) in their ears for hours on end. And all the while this author has been trying to make the voices quiet down! But I digress. Headphones are a staple of modern life, and no amount of complaining parents and finger-wagging adults are going to take them away from today’s generation. The ubiquity of modern headphones can be largely attributed to the Sony Walkman, which debuted in 1979 and quickly became a cultural icon. However, the history of headphones stretches back much further, with roots in military applications and communication technology.

Early Innovations: The Electrophone and Mercadier’s Contributions

In the 1890s, the British company Electrophone introduced a system that allowed customers to listen to live performances from theatres and opera houses in London through massive earphones. This early form of headphones provided a primitive stereo sound experience, but their primary use at the time was for radio communication and telephone operators.

In 1891, French engineer Ernest Mercadier patented an early version of in-ear headphones. These lightweight devices were designed to be worn comfortably and were remarkably similar to today's earbud headphones. Mercadier's design included miniature receivers and rubber covers to reduce friction and block external sounds, marking a significant step toward the development of personal audio devices.

The Military Connection: Baldwin’s Contribution

The development of modern headphones took a significant leap forward thanks to Nathaniel Baldwin in the early 20th century. Baldwin, working from his kitchen, sent a prototype of his headphones to the U.S. Navy. Despite initial scepticism, Baldwin's design proved far superior to existing models, leading to further refinement and eventual mass production for military use. These headphones were essential for naval radio operators during World War I, laying the groundwork for future commercial models.

Photo: Badseed

Post-War Advances: The Rise of Stereo Sound

After World War II, the advent of stereo sound brought about another revolution in headphone technology. In 1958, John Koss, founder of the Koss Corporation, developed the first commercial stereo headphones. These headphones allowed users to experience high-fidelity sound with separate audio channels for each ear, mimicking the acoustics of a concert hall. Koss’s invention gained popularity quickly, and the design set the standard for future headphones.

Photo: Daderot

The Evolution to Wireless and Bluetooth Headphones

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw rapid advancements in headphone technology. The introduction of Bluetooth headphones allowed for wireless listening, eliminating the need for cumbersome chords. Wireless headphones became increasingly popular due to their convenience and portability, with major brands continually improving sound quality and battery life.

Photo: Jonas Vandermeiren

Modern Trends: From Fashion to Function

Today, headphones are not just a tool for listening to music but also a fashion statement and a crucial accessory for daily life. With the rise of noise-cancelling technology, Bluetooth headphones have become essential for travel, work, and exercise. Brands compete to offer the best sound quality, comfort, and innovative features, making headphones a constantly evolving technology.

Headphones to Buy

If you are in the market for a pair of headphones, here are some options for you. For wireless headphones, this author recommends the Nothing Ear. Not only is this my daily driver, but it looks very cool. The newer versions come with ChatGPT integration (don’t ask me why) as well as all the bells and whistles you can find on a pair of iPhone Airpods.

Speaking of the Airpods, sound enthusiasts will adore the AirPods Pro Max. As with all things Apple, it reeks of quality in its construction, comfort and sound quality.

And if, like me, you love yourself some video games, then the Asus Fusion II 300 is an absolute blast. It is light, comfortable and has excellent positional audio to let you hear that sneaky sneak sneaking up on you in your favourite camping simulator (read: FPS). Plus it has lots of really cool RGB lights. Yes, they are a novelty, and you will never see them, but hey, what gamer doesn’t love some RGB?

Conclusion

From the early days of the Electrophone and Mercadier’s in-ear designs to Baldwin’s military contributions and Koss’s stereo headphones, the history of headphones is rich with innovation. The transition to wireless and Bluetooth headphones has further revolutionised how we experience sound, making personal audio devices an integral part of modern life. As technology continues to advance, the future of headphones promises even more exciting developments.

by Ashas Bukhari