Yes the head phones help a lot. I know guys who train together and all they do is BS between sets. You can no way have good workouts this way.
I used to train with this big Russian guy, who if you started to BS between sets would tell you to STFU. Was all business, thats really the way it has to be if you are training hardcore.
So you dont sit and chat (unless its some hot gym chick and you are arranging a meeting to f*ck her), you dont watch TV, you dont talk on your phone (very gay).....you train hard and stay focused.