Headphones are allowed in our very busy histology lab.   One person
frequently takes advantage of this  and it has never been a problem.  He
has always kept up with the conversation at hand and has always responded
to the frozens, kidneys, muscle or pathologist stat needs without delay or
any problem.  We would change the ruling if a serious problem presented
itself...but so far, so good.  (We have been doing this for years!)   This
individual works better with constant noise  as opposed to some of the rest
of us who work better with quiet.  To each his own!

Barb Davies
Memorial Hospital
Colorado Springs, CO