Noise Problems

[u/After_Gold_5178]

Hey, I’m currently working in an office, and since we changed the seating arrangement, I’m sitting next to some other coworkers. The problem is that I can’t concentrate with all the keyboard noise coming from the person next to me.
I have an old pair of AirPods Pro (1st gen), but the noise cancellation doesn’t work anymore, and I just want some peace and quiet.
I was actually thinking about buying regular earplugs without any electronics at first, just to completely block out the noise. But I usually listen to audiobooks when I’m outside because they help me stay calm and relaxed, so I’d really like something that gives me the option to listen to audio as well.
I can’t wear over-ear headphones because I really don’t like the feeling of wearing them, and I also feel uncomfortable with people seeing me wearing them.
So I’m looking for some really good in-ear earbuds with the strongest possible noise cancellation. I don’t really want to buy another pair of basic AirPods or Galaxy Buds just to end up being disappointed again. I’m willing to spend more if there’s a pair that actually does a great job at blocking out office noise, especially keyboard typing.
Any recommendations?

[u/mecha_monk]

I replaced my AirPods Pro gen 1 with AirPods Pro 3, difference is night and day. The new ones are in a whole other league, outperforming my over ear Sony ones in noice cancellation.

If you can’t get new earbuds then consider loops earplugs, they help a bit.

And otherwise ask if you can be seated somewhere quieter.

I had therapy sessions about accepting the noise to some extent and to process what it is, how it makes me feel, and how I realistically can deal with it.

Usually my options are:

1. Ask them to stop
2. Move myself
3. Accept the noise and be less productive. Possibly headache.

I usually opt for 1 or 2.

[u/CrasseMaximum]

Why not a closed headphone for the office?