Ear Plugs on flights during take-off and landing

[Economizer]

Greetings from a first time poster, long time reader...
Can anyone advise on airline policy on wearing earplugs or in-ear headphones unplugged?
I have found out of the 30-odd flights I have been on over the past couple of years that 3 of those I have been asked to remove the offending buds during arrival cabin procedures so that, I quote 'so you can hear any emergency information' as opposed to simply seeing the general look of panic on fellow passengers' faces. And surely, this is offensive to hearing-impaired folk?
Anyway, all ribbing aside, I'm just looking for clarification and to hear (no pun intended) of any similar experiences from the AFF community. :?:

 

[nlagalle]

I wear mine on every flight. Never get asked to take them off. They only check on QF that they arent plugged into an iPod etc but the plane IFE.

 

[Austman]

I've been asked to remove them on Singapore Airlines. "Company Policy" was the reason.

 

[wingspan]

I wear mine on every flight. Never get asked to take them off. They only check on QF that they arent plugged into an iPod etc but the plane IFE.

+1. I have canal plugs in every flight. Never been asked to remove them. And I don't know if this is just me but these days I notice that they check less and less whether the plugs are in an iPod or IFE.

 

[docjames]

Whilst there seems to be "policy", you are obliged to follow any (reasonable) crew instructions. So if they say " take out / turn off" you pretty much have to do so anyway.

Expect variability between crews and operators.

 

[moa999]

I use my UltimateEars canal phones on most flights, though have them unplugged and the unplugged end clearly visible sitting on my legs.