Is ME rude?

Am pretty much used to an ipod by now. If I am not at home and not in office, the chances that I am listening to my ipod are like 95%. Rarely, if at all, would you find me not sporting the characteristic white earphones. My friends here tell me it is considered to be very rude here - to talk with people with your earphones on. But I am so much used to manipulating the volume to suit the surroundings that I hardly notice that I am wearing them As if I care what people think about ME ...