Escape the Noise

The world is a noisy place. Every day your ears are assaulted with sounds, whether you're in an aeroplane, waiting on a railway platform or in the office. This isn't just an annoying distraction. Independent research studies have shown that exposure to noise increases fatigue and stress, and reduces productivity. But is noise an unavoidable fact of your life? Not necessarily. Bose has spent decades developing and perfecting noise reduction technology to combat unwanted noise and enhance listening enjoyment.

Our unique combination of ergonomic design and innovative technology provides full-spectrum noise reduction while faithfully preserving the nuances of what you want to hear. The U.S. patented technology in Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones uses special electronic circuitry to counteract unwanted noise. Microphones in the earcups monitor sound at your ears, then unwanted noise is identified and reduced. This "correction" process is rapid and continuous, so you hear only the music, film dialogue or silence that you desire.

Inspired solutions
Back in 1978, Dr. Amar Bose had an inspiration during a noisy international flight. Noise reduction theory had been around since the 1930s, but with only relatively simple applications. His sudden insight gave him an idea about how it might be possible to achieve active noise reduction in headphones — and he sketched out the maths for the technology right there on the plane. These initial calculations began years of research into an array of complex acoustic, electronic and mechanical challenges.

In 1986, plans were being made for history's first non-stop round-the-world flight. But the pilots were at risk of losing 30% of their hearing. When Bose engineers learned this, they submitted a noise-reduction headset prototype for consideration. This headset was evaluated and deemed "mission critical" for the pilots' safety. The test was a success — the pilots did not lose any of their hearing. 

Today, Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headsets from Bose are essential equipment for many in the U.S. military, including tank crews and U.S. Air Force pilots, and for many commercial and private pilots.


Going public
QuietComfort® headphones from Bose, the first noise-cancelling headphones designed for airline passengers, were introduced to the general public in 2000. For many, airline travel was transformed into a more comfortable experience. Users reported feeling less fatigued and more refreshed after their flights. With engine roar hushed, flyers could enjoy listening to onboard films and music, or relax in peace and silence as never before.

Now Bose has built on that legacy of innovation and research with the QuietComfort® 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones.

New innovations
QuietComfort® 2 headphones integrate full-spectrum noise reduction with a new standard in audio quality. Proprietary BOSE® technologies reproduce crisp, lifelike sound for music and film dialogue. And the U.S. patented BOSE® technology in TriPort® headphones delivers full, balanced low notes while keeping the design small and lightweight.

The innovations didn't stop there. "Offering noise reduction, great sound and comfort was critical for QuietComfort® 2 headphones," explains Steve Kingsbury, general manager of the BOSE® Noise Reduction Technology Group. "But providing these benefits in an intuitive, more efficient design makes these headphones that much more desirable, that much more versatile."

Newly designed circuitry enabled Bose engineers to integrate the electronics into the earcups, eliminating the battery box of the original QuietComfort® headphones. You can now disconnect the audio cord from the headphones so you can enjoy silence while moving freely about. And the new earcups, which actually have a slimmer profile than the original, fold to a flat resting position for greater portability and easier storage in a briefcase or bag.

A new sanctuary
When outside noise is significantly reduced, fatigue and stress can be reduced. And although QuietComfort® headphones were originally designed to make air travel quieter, consumers soon discovered other applications where noise was disruptive. Updated convenience makes these noise-cancelling headphones easier to use on a bus or train, around the house and in the workplace.

Plus, there's the added benefit of superior audio performance. Your favourite music comes to life with the rich depth of a cello, the sweet clarity of a flute. Appreciation of film sound is enhanced — from the subtle nuances of dialogue, to the full impact of special effects.

Or, like many of us in this noisy world, you may just want to enjoy the silence.