Sometimes I think it would be nice to be able to talk and hear the people I'm riding with but not have to be right next to them. But then I get to wondering if the earpiece will make me like those walkers and runners that get so absorbed in what's coming through the headset, they fail to notice my announcement to pass them.
Even with the headset in one ear only, it's going to affect how I perceive sounds of traffic around me.
However, I thought there where some phone apps that turned your smartphone into an intercom. Of course then you still need to find a mic that's not bothered by wind.