[tanseydavid]

You are not alone in this. Many developers find noise to be a especially distracting factor. I am in this category.

Also, I feel the need to comment on the widespread notion that the primary motivation for open-plan office is that "it facilitates collaboration" which in my opinion and experience is barely truthful in any way.

The reality is that open-office is motivated by the costs of rent -- it really is that simple.

The whole thing about "collaboration" is after-the-fact rationalizing because organizations lack the courage to admit that it really is about money.