When I actually play, ie not practice play, I really have no interest in socializing with you.... I don't care to hear your banter or anything else for that matter... I am and always will be playing the table... I am pretty sure the table doesn't care if I wear my headphones and since it's my opponent I see no merit in some of these opinions...
Most every room has a jukebox or a looped soundtrack they play... I prefer my own music.. If they disallow headphones I will be wearing the flesh colored ear plugs for the same reasons....
This is in no way a show of lack of respect for the other player but an attempt on my part to play my best pol by eliminating or turning down the volume of distractions....
IF the room is old school and quiet and you are one of the few who can manage to keep quiet when it's not your turn I would likely need neither the headphones or earplugs and would leave them in my case....
When's the last time one of you walked into a room that was as quiet as a church?? Heck they even played crappy music in the tourney room at DCC on several of the days......
I learned in a room with blaring music and in my younger days I could fade it..... Not so much today... If you still can fade it, great for you.. my headphones and earplugs are just evening up the playing field.....