What do we call the device that amplifies our voice to the audience? A microphone, right? And the device that broadcasts sound across a space? That’s a speaker. Put the two together—can we call it a phone? Maybe, in a sense. 

But let’s talk about the device in question: headphones. Why are they called headphones and not head speakers? After all, they rest on the head. Initially, headphones were only for listening, with no microphone attached. The phone part must have been added later, as they evolved into communication devices. But who knows? It’s just an observation—take it lightly. 

The evolution didn’t stop there. Cordless versions appeared, followed by Bluetooth-enabled ones. For my 70th birthday, my sons gifted me a sleek pair of Bose headphones. Though it lacked buttons—something I usually enjoy—I loved it. Modern devices have moved from physical buttons to touch controls, which I’ve come to appreciate. 

Once I got the Bose headphones, I rarely took them off. My sons had to remind me not to wear them all day and to take care of my ears. With my deteriorating vision, aching back, and other health issues, I didn’t need another problem to manage. 

The headphones became my cherished companion, especially during walks and when I wanted to listen to music without disturbing my wife as she enjoyed her TV serials. 

During our 2019 trip to the U.S., we had to rush back to India due to the pandemic. We managed to catch the last flight home, but in the chaos of the journey, my beloved Bose headphones were lost. I couldn’t tell whether they were misplaced in Singapore or Chennai, but they were gone. 

I felt like I’d lost a friend. With lockdowns in place, buying a replacement wasn’t possible. After three long months, when shops reopened, I bought a Sony headphone. It’s a good replacement, but I couldn’t help but note: the amount I spent on it was equivalent to what I once paid to build my first house! 

Modern headphones offer impressive features—connecting to multiple devices, and integrating with Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and more. I’ve embraced these advancements wholeheartedly. 

Contd. 355. One and Many