I think it just helps people zone out and concentrate while playing. At the end of the day i dont see how it hurts. They are still playing by the rules. Personally, i rather hear all the pins sounds (callouts, music etc) to get me into the game.

I tried them and it was a fail for me.

I’m such a music guy that I listened to the music too much and forgot to watch the ball. Hahaha

However I know plenty of people who use them with great success.

rd

I'd like to try noise cancelling headphones

I try to imagine what those are listening to who use audio, whale songs, pinball motivational tapes maybe even Polka

Good topic!
I use headphones in tournaments, but not always, I will put them on or off sometimes to try to change things up.
I also like the fact that if you are wearing headphones during an event or finals, people (usually) won't talk to you, allowing me to concentrate more on the task at hand. (Without telling folks I don't want to talk to them, seeming rude)
It also can stop me from overhearing things people might be saying behind me when I am playing, and seems help me not become nervous when doing well.
I don't really crank the volume, so I can hear games when they are turned up.
Sometimes you can't hear anything from the machine in a tourney anyway.
If they were disallowed, I say at least the machines should be able to be heard, and spectators should be quieted during play.
That would seem odd. (The spectator part)