I don't use your version of iTunes or operating system. It probably is something to specifications because the computer is detecting an audio device being connected due to your temporarily breaking the connection. I recommend you explore various preferences settings and see if you can find one to adjust this behavior.
=iTunes automatically opens=
Right click on iTunes in Dock and see if "Open at startup is checked"
See if a device is attached and "open iTunes when iPod is connected" is selected. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1955511?answerId=16483979022#16483979022
Check for other iTunes preference settings that might cause this.
Hacks to stop Bluetooth speaker from starting iTunes -
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=19045335&postcount=4
LincDavis Aug. 2015 post - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7196994?answerId=28821151022#28821151022