It's illegal here in BC.

I just can't understand how someone can cut off a sense and manage to distract yourself at the same time and still think they are as safe as if they had the sense and no distraction.

I used to be a musician and have a keen sense of hearing and I feel the sound of traffic informs you of your place in it. Hearing is one of the advantages bikes have over cars to be safer on the road. It helps prevent collisions by being more aware of your surroundings.