Noise-cancelling headphones have been a game changer for me. I specifically love my AirPods Pro, because beyond the apple integration, I can have them with me in my pocket at all times. Distressing or even mildly unpleasant noise? I can always pop them in and get some relief
On the go: AirPod Pro. On plane: AirPod Max and foam ear plugs. Sleeping: foam ear plugs
For me, it’s critical that foam ear plugs be full size and cylindrical. The kind Tim Ferris recommended in his book work poorly for people with larger ear canals.
Cylindrical foam ear plugs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J4HB1C
I have Airpods Pro and they provide some physical sound dampening, but the noise cancellation only works on rumbly white noise, not things like talking or eating noises. It can actually make talking seem louder by cancelling out the background noise.
Weird. Some louder/sharper sounds definitely get through, but in my experience it's a very small amount. I can sit in a coffee shop and they'll block out people talking unless someone's sitting right next to me and being somewhat loud
I can also usually supplement with some music if I need to, to cover up that last 5-10% of louder sounds
