Is it permissible to listen to the Qur’an with headphones to drown out loud music in public transportation, or is that considered disrespect to the words of Allah the Almighty?

Listening to the Quran via headphones to avoid hearing music is praiseworthy and follows the Sunnah (definition) of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as long as the sound of the Quran does not mix with the music. The presence of music outside does not matter as long as the headphones block it and enable one to distinguish the sound of the Quran. However, if the sound of the Quran is audible to others and mixes with other sounds that prevent listening to or distinguishing it, then that is disliked and considered a lack of reverence for the Quran. If the sounds of music or noise interfere with the sound of the Quran in the headphones such that the listener cannot distinguish the recitation, it is recommended to replace the Quran with something not harmed by noise, such as nasheeds free of music.