Headphones

Headphones are electronic devices that transmit sound to an individual's ears in a streamlined manner so others around will not hear the noise. They are often used to listen to various types of media, such as music or movies, and are also used to listen and talk to people over the internet, phone, or radio.

Early version of headphones used by telephone operators

Earlier versions of headphones started being used in the late 1800s. They were initially used for telecommunications purposes only, and telephone operators used them to talk with customers. These headphones were only for one ear, weighed nearly ten pounds, and rested on the operator's shoulder due to the weight.

Headphones became commercialized shortly afterward for entertainment purposes. A device known as the Electrophone was introduced, and consumers could get a monthly subscription to use it for dialing to a switchboard, which would allow the consumer to hear live performances taking place in London.

The invention of modern headphones is attributed to American engineer Nathaniel Baldwin in 1910. Baldwin had developed a prototype of headphones that he sent to the United States Navy. The headphones were composed of two ear cups connected by a headband and a plug to connect to the audio source. Although the Navy commissioned Baldwin to make hundreds of these headphones for defense purposes, Baldwin never patented the technology.

Headphones invented by Nathaniel Baldwin

As technology changed over the next several decades, various people throughout the world were creating their own versions of headphones to become more commercialized and adapt to updated audio sources, such as home stereo systems and smartphones. Different devices have been created based on the same concept as headphones, such as earbuds, and while other devices may be more convenient for some situations, headphones are still popular among consumers.