[hyko]

You could try some musicians earplugs, they have the effect of reducing the noise around you without muffling. http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETYPlug-Protection-E...

[gtani]

They have them (something comparable at least ) at Walgreens, $5 or so, blue with yellow/green string connecting the plugs

[billswift]

I have tried earplugs, but they cut out too much sound, I am always uncomfortable when trying to concentrate when wearing them (I had three younger brothers who liked playing nasty tricks).