A History of Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones

The story of this breakthrough technology begins when Dr. Amar Bose took a long-distance flight in 1978. The airline's conventional headphones were disappointing – engine roar and other cabin noises interfered with any enjoyment of music. Turning up the volume did little to mask the noise, and further distorted the music. He wondered if it would be possible to achieve active noise reduction in a pair of headphones to make listening to music more enjoyable.

That flight prompted the research and development of Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones to dramatically reduce unwanted noise, increase the enjoyment of music and films, and to bring tranquillity to places with other distractions.

The technology reduces unwanted noise through electronic circuitry. Microphones in the ear cups monitor outside sound. Bose proprietary electronics then identify unwanted noise and reduce it, while preserving the desired music, speech or tranquillity. It all adds up to a better listening experience.

For QuietComfort® 15 headphones, Bose has engineered significant advances in noise reduction to make them their quietest ever. Bose technologies electronically reduce more noise across a wider range of frequencies. And a new ear cushion further reduces noise to deliver a better listening experience and a very comfortable fit. If you prefer a smaller, on-ear alternative, BOSE® QuietComfort® 3 headphones may better suit your needs. Each offers less noise, along with acclaimed lifelike sound, a lightweight fit that stays comfortable for hours and the quality you expect from Bose. It’s a combination of benefits that remains unmatched in the industry. 

The technology within our Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones eliminates unwanted noise through electronic circuitry. Microphones in the earcups monitor sound at the user's ear. BOSE® proprietary electronics then identify unwanted noise and reduce it, while preserving the desired music, speech or silence.

Originally designed for use on airplanes, the acclaimed technology in our noise reducing headphones hushes the sound of the engines' roar and allows the enjoyment of in-flight films or music - or even silence itself. Customers tell us that they also enjoy them in many other places where noise can be a problem: at home, in the office, or to hush the clamour of your train or bus commute.

Since its early development, this BOSE® technology has been used in applications for consumers, private and commercial pilots, and military personnel.

Not exactly what you need? Here are other options to consider.

For an all-in-the-box home entertainment solution, see our LIFESTYLE® systems.    For BOSE® quality sound in a single-piece music system, see our waveguide systems.    For an elegant selection of floorstanding or bookshelf speakers, consider our DIRECT/REFLECTING® speaker systems.