What event inspired Dr. Amar Bose to sketch out the concept for consumer ANC headphones?

Answer

Inability to hear music over engine drone during a 1978 flight.

The genesis of Bose's foray into consumer Active Noise Control headphones is directly linked to a specific personal experience. In 1978, while traveling on an airplane, Dr. Amar Bose experienced significant frustration due to the loud engine drone making it impossible to clearly hear his music through his headphones. This specific moment of annoyance spurred him to immediately sketch out the basic concept of headphones designed to actively listen to and counteract ambient noise. This initial insight then launched a dedicated, long-term, and expensive research effort spanning over 15 years before the technology reached commercial viability for the general public.

What event inspired Dr. Amar Bose to sketch out the concept for consumer ANC headphones?
inventioninventortechnologynoise control