Calculations begun on that flight indicated it was possible. Those calculations led to an entire research group dedicated to noise reduction technology. But it took more than a decade before the first BOSE® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headset was a reality.

Less Noise. More Clarity
BOSE® noise-reducing headphones may look like ordinary headphones on the outside, but that's where the similarity ends. The technologies inside are a true advancement, used by the U.S. military and private pilots around the world. 

A microphone in each earcup "hears" sounds an instant before they can reach the ears. Advanced electronics recognise what the listener wants to hear — a message from the control tower, music, an in-flight film or silence — and compares it to noise the listener doesn't want to experience. BOSE® U.S. patented electronics then calculate and generate a signal opposite to the unwanted noise, dramatically reducing it while preserving the desired music, speech or silence. 

We originally designed headsets for use on planes. But once we released our first consumer headphones, owners told us how well they worked in other noisy places — trains, buses, offices and homes. From a routine flight to Europe arose an innovation that is making many people's lives more pleasant.

Noise Reduction Technology 
Explore the fundamental concepts behind noise reduction and our unique solution.

Learn more »

The 110 decibel noise in this open cockpit underscores the importance of BOSE® noise reduction technology.

Acoustic Noise
Cancelling®
technology 

The technology that made Aviation Headset X a must-have for pilots is also found in our QuietComfort® headphones. 

QuietComfort® 3 headphones » 
QuietComfort® 2 headphones »