Combating Noise Sensitivity in the workplace

If you are looking for noise cancelling headphones to make life more bearable check out this review from CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/

Most are $200+ (with some going as high as $700+) but Audio Technica has one listed for $79 and JVC has another that goes for $103 - $189.

 Audio Technica ATH-ANC1 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

JVC HANC250 High-Grade Noise-Cancelling Headphones