In today's fast-paced world, we often don't think twice about the devices we use daily—our smartphones, laptops, TVs, and the audio technology that enhances their use.

While speakers certainly have a time and place, headphones create a much more immersive experience that yields better sound quality, which is crucial in certain situations. Headphones can block background noise and offer portability, making them ideal for today's workplace. However, headphones weren't always a high-tech device you could easily bring from one meeting to the next or answer calls with.

Here is the evolution of headphone technology — an interesting (and impressive) progression you may have never considered.

Headphone Evolution - From Electrophones to Wireless Technology

The first version of "headphones" more closely resembled a speaker. In the 1890s, headphones were heavy, one-sided speakers that users would hold to communicate, which evolved into the electrophone. The setup was bulky, as the stethoscope-like headphones were attached to a large switchboard.

This concept evolved into the first true headphone design, invented by an American engineer named Nathaniel Baldwin. The first set was made in his kitchen in 1910, and while investors didn't take him seriously, the Navy did.

Baldwin didn't patent his invention, and over the coming decades, the design quickly evolved. By 1937, Beyerdynamic released the first headphones for home listening, and in 1958, John C. Koss created the first stereophones, the Koss SP-3.

You likely recognize the next big name in this story — Sony. In 1979, Sony released the Walkman, a revolutionary portable cassette player. From there, headphones became smaller, leading to the birth of in-ear headphones.

As technology became more innovative, so did headphone functionality and design. Noise-canceling headphones, released by Bose, were the next wave of possibilities, and companies began designing headsets for the workplace. [1]

The Transition From Wired to Wireless

For decades, wireless headphones were likely viewed as a pipe dream — and rightfully so.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Jaap Haartsen came up with a frequency now associated with Bluetooth technology. A few years later, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a group of industry leaders from the top tech companies, patented Bluetooth as the standard for wireless communication.

The first Bluetooth device for consumer use was released in 1999, and several updates followed. The latest advancements allow users to control smart devices, send files, and stream high-quality audio. [2]

Headphone Technology and Workplace Headsets

As headphone technology advanced, companies were able to expand its applications. Headsets were born from this progression, essentially headphones with mics attached. While there are headphones with built-in mics, headsets are a popular choice for video conferencing and video calls.

Of course, there are advantages to both headphones and headsets, but headsets are often the golden standard for call centers and gamers.

The first wireless headset for the workplace was released by GN Netcom (now Jabra), shortly followed by a model by Plantronics (now HP Poly). Before these, employees had to cradle a phone between their neck and shoulder or use wired devices. GN Netcom and Plantronics were the two main players initially, but other major brands now include Yealink and JLab.

Again, technology evolved, leading to new functions and features, including remote answering capabilities. Even if employees were away from their desks, they could take calls and check voicemails, boosting efficiency and productivity. This capability is now a built-in feature offered by the latest wireless headsets.

COVID Changed the Game

When the pandemic hit, offices needed to adapt by changing their workplace strategies. Overnight, many offices went from desk phones and wireless headsets to phone setups that were no longer compatible with the headsets workers were accustomed to.

Manufacturers hit the ground running, focusing on releasing headsets compatible with computers and mobile phones, with the addition of noise-canceling technology. While many forward-thinking companies were already using a hybrid work model, influencing the development of such technology, COVID expedited the need for these modern workforce headset solutions.

Discover more on how to equip your staff to adapt when working remotely.

So, what are some of the best options on the market?

When shopping for a new workplace headset, consider the following. A clear winner for today's hybrid work models is the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex.

The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is the ultimate headset for today's hybrid worker — here's why.

• Its sleek, foldable design makes it incredibly portable for on-the-go use.
• Crystal-clear calls with advanced noise-canceling microphones and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) block distractions.
• Jabra Air Comfort technology delivers all-day comfort with its pressure-relieving headband and soft earcups.
• Certified for Microsoft Teams, the Evolve2 65 Flex keeps you connected and focused, no matter where work takes you.

Other options include:

The JLab Work Buds in-ear headset provides excellent call quality and value. It comes with a detachable boom mic and a charging case, and it boasts 55+ hours of total playtime. You can also customize your sound and experience with the JLab app.

The Yealink BH76 Bluetooth headset offers a high-quality audio experience and a stylish design, featuring four levels of noise cancellation, a retractable microphone arm, and dual-side Busylight indicators.

Unsure Which Headset Is Best for Your Team?

When seeking the perfect headset for your team, work model, and budget, there are many options. Having options is great, but it can also mean you need to do a lot of research before choosing devices.

Instead of enduring a research-heavy selection process, let Hello Direct help you find the best solution for your needs.

Hello Direct is a leading provider of innovative, hands-free devices that help companies and organizations transform their operations and workflows. With over 1500 high-quality solutions available, we have what you need to support greater efficiency and overall business growth.

Contact us to chat with our friendly, knowledgeable team today!

Sources

[1] A Partial History of Headphones, Smithsonian Magazine

[2] Origin of the Bluetooth Name, Bluetooth