Out of interest, do you have a high sensitivity to noise around you?

I don't live in a particularly big city and when I visit bigger ones I do feel they are noisy. But not noisy enough to wear protection. I do wear protection when I'm on my motorcycle or at a concert or festival.

I can get by without protection, and it's not as though it particularly hurts; but I prefer things quieter, and it improves my mood. I often also wear it when I am working in an office environment with loud HVAC, also improves my mood.

I don't really know what would qualify as high sensitivity.

I also wear earplugs and they do improve my mood and ability to stay focused.

I remember that my father did the same when I was a kid. At that point I laughed, now I understand. I'm guessing sensitive ears run in the family.