Remember kids... always wear a helmet. (The almighty bikeradar helmet thread)

Let me start that I don't think earphones should be banned otherwise Ed Scoble must be banned, too.

You know, I hope, that this logic is rubbish?

Being (largely) unable to hear and being distracted by other sounds unrelated to the traffic situation at hand are completely different things.

D/deaf people will generally have made adjustments and compensatory strategies, whereas earphone-wearers may not.

And, as ever: Don't discriminate against disabled people. (I know that wasn't your intention.)