I. Introduction
Headphones are wearable, stereo, miniaturized speaker systems that have come a long way in the past few years. Headphones have become extremely popular in the past years due to the reason that they are so convenient and portable (many fit into the pockets of our pants today). Traditionally, headphones have been large and bulky with ear cups covering the left and right speakers. These cups were then attached to a headband that arched over the top of the head for comfort. The speakers that were at opposite ends of the headset were connected to a small wire which plugged into a headphone jack and allowed for sound to be heard. Nowadays, headphones are lightweight, portable, and almost unnoticeable. Instead of the headband that was used in previous years, these headphones sit directly in the opening of the ear. These headphones, known as ear bubs, are preferred today because they have a lot thinner, more flexible wiring which allows for a more pleasant experience in any circumstance.
II. History
Headphones were not really discovered as much as they were developed. The old 20th century earpiece was commonly shaped similar to a bell and was originally used for a telephone earpiece. This is when headphones originated for this was the only way to listen to audio signals before the time of amplifiers. The first set of headphones was developed by a man named Nathaniel Baldwin, who continued to make them and sell them to the Navy. Some of these very first headphone sets were used for radio work in the year 1919. The sound quality on these headphones was very low for the reason that they were the first ever made. Not only did they have poor sound quality, they had poor comfort as well. They had no padding and had too little room for the head between the speakers. In radio stations at this time in history, due to the “new” headphones, there were dangerous voltages levels which were obviously very hazardous. The headphones had bare electrical wiring which would shock the user if the electrical cables were touched while adjusting the headphones.
III. Dangers of High Volume
The use of headphones at a significantly high level may cause temporary hearing loss or deafness. This effect is called “masking.” The main reason for such high volume levels is because the headphones have to compete with background noise. It is especially hard to compete with the background noise in places such as a plane, subway, train, car, or other loud situations. Periods of excess exposure to the awfully loud headphones may be damaging to your hearing but fewer than 5% of headphone users listen to their music/videos at a high enough level frequently enough to cause significant damage. Some manufacturing companies are now aware of these risks and are putting limits to the volume in which a headset can produce. There have been many attempts to limit the volume levels of headphones but, for the most part, all have failed. Laws have been put in that state that, while driving, at least one ear must be “un-plugged” for the reason that total isolation from the outside world is hazardous. Not only is being isolated from the world bad for others around you, it’s bad for you as well due to the reason that you are risking a possession being stolen. When legal, such as when riding a motorcycle, it is perfectly fine to wear earplugs to avoid hearing loss due to wind, road and engine noise but while blocking out these noises, they are actually increasing the ability the have to hear voices and music. At high sound pressure levels, the muscles in the ear tighten, which changes the geometry of the ear. This is the reason why speech and music as well as other noises are able to be heard. Listening to music while using headphones during exercise can be very dangerous for the reason that is draws blood away from the ears and to limbs.
IV. Impact on the World/Humanity
Headphones have had a huge impact on the world in the little time that they have been around. Headphones have contributed to hearing loss in many nations worldwide; however, they have cause major economic growth for these same nations. Not only have headphones contributed to society by causing hearing loss but they have also helped to increase the popularity of the music industry because now you can listen to your own music, privately.
V. Journal Article Review
Headphones Are Gaining Quality and Acceptance
The journal article “Headphones Are Gaining Quality and Acceptance” is an article about hoe headphones are useful and becoming more and more popular. The rise in popularity of headphones is for the reason that they are light-weight, portable devices that can be used for portable or personal use. It is fascinating how any music bought that is played through the headphones is heard perfectly. This is because the sonic engineering in each ear bud/headphone piece is set to obtain proper tonal balance. In these headphones are minor amplifiers that are used to produce natural sound.
Sources:
• *journal article- MASTERS ON AUDIO AND VIDEO -- Features Archives. (n.d.). This site is now part of SoundStageAV.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.mastersonaudio.com/features/20020601.html
• What are Headphones?. (n.d.). wiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-headphones.html
• How headphones work: A simple introduction from Explain that Stuff!. (n.d.). Explain that stuff! Science and technology made simple. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/headphones.html
• HTG Explains: How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work? - How-To Geek . (n.d.). How-To Geek - Computer Help from your Friendly How-To Geek . Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/44328/htg-explains-how-do-noise-reducing-headphones-work/
• How Headphones Work, all you need to know to demystify headphones inner working. (n.d.). Looking for Concise headphone reviews? Then check out Best-Headphone-Review.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.best-headphone-review.com/howheadphoneswork.html
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