Wearing earplugs over long periods of time can give you nasty ear infections that are near-impossible to get rid of. Note: they are suggested not because of necessity, a noisy plant for example, they are suggested because of a management fad. Open offices are a choice, the noise level in a steelworking plant is not.

I am aware. Take out your earplugs when you take the 5-10 minute break you should be taking regularly throughout the day anyway because sitting and staring at a screen for long periods of time is also deleterious to your health :shrug:.

I've got noise cancelling headphones. My hearing decline has now slowed. I would recommend this to anyone. But a private office would be better.