GadgetsMusic History

Here’s a cool infographic on the history of headphones

How many sets of headphones and ear buds do you have? And if you’re really into proper sound, you’re probably always considering new models all the time.

But how much do you really know about the history of headphones and how other people use them? A site called RaveReviews.org has created this infographic on the subject.

Some topline factoids:

  • Both Canadians and Americans spend an average of 32 hours a week listening to music. That’s almost the equivalent of a full-time job.
  • More than half of people (55%) regularly use headphones at work.
  • 46% of them use headphones to avoid talking to other people.
  • 78% think that music improves their productivity at work.
  • 30% of use use headphones to cancel outside noise.
  • The first headphones were created for the US Navy in 1910.
  • The first headphones designed for use at home came out in 1937 but were meant mostly for personal listening to radio.
  • The first headphones designed for listening to music at home were was the Koss SP-3 which appeared in 1958. The first customers were returning soldiers who had grown used to using military-grade headphones.
The History and Future of Headphones
Source: Rave Reviews

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39372 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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